The Airlie Beach Race Week and Whitsunday Festival of Sailing (ABRW) is recognised Australia-wide as a vibrant and exciting week of action and entertainment set to the backdrop of the spectacular Whitsunday coast and islands.
The event is styled in keeping with the relaxed holiday atmosphere of the Whitsundays, mixing six days of offshore yacht racing with seven nights of socialising and entertainment.
In 2021 the onshore Whitsundays Festival of Sailing will include free, live music and food stalls every afternoon, as well as evenings under the marquee on the lawn at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.
Over the week there will be wine tastings, a long lunch, a beer and food pairing, a beach fun day and other activities for locals and visitors from across the country and overseas.
According to ABRW Regatta Chairman Ross Chisholm: “On-shore the aim is to engage and entertain Race Week competitors, their supporters, locals from across the Region and visitors from all over Australia and overseas.
“Last year we had over 6000 attendees over the week, despite the limitations caused by Covid 19 and 2021 promises to attract even more race entrants and visitors to the Festival.
“An official spectator craft is also available so that anyone can be part of the action and watch the sailing up close. The Skipper is a veteran yacht racer with the knowledge and experience to safely position the vessel in the thick of the action”, Mr Chisholm said.
Organisers are expecting well in excess of 150 entries for Airlie Beach Race Week 2021, bringing with them over 2,500 crew and followers.
It’s no wonder that Airlie Beach comes alive in August every year.
