A fleet of 250 likely for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016

With entries closing in just three days, it is becoming increasingly likely an “astonishing” fleet of 250, possibly more, will be registered for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016.

“It is an amazing achievement,” said the regatta’s long-serving Race Director, Denis Thompson, today after the 246th entry was lodged. “It confirms Race Week offers everything that the vast majority of monohull and multihull sailors are looking for in a regatta – great sailing, exceptional camaraderie, perfect parties and absolute fun.”

Thompson added that he was expecting the fleet to reach 250 – 23 more than the previous record which was established at the 25th anniversary Race Week in 2008.

Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016 will be staged from August 20 to 27 on courses set around deserted tropical islands in Queensland’s Whitsunday region. This will be the 33rd staging of the acclaimed event.

This year’s series will also include the Australian Yachting Championships for Grand Prix level monohulls and multihulls.

The 246th entry to be registered came from colourful Sydney sailing identity Ray Roberts. He has chartered the Sydney 38, The Goat, renamed it Team Hollywood and entered the Passage Rating class of the Australian Yachting Championships. The two smallest entries to date are just 6.5 metres long: Hydraplay (Justin Hickey) and Monkey Business (Jon Rowe)

The Notice of Race and entry form for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016 are now posted on the website, www.audihamiltonislandraceweek.com.au The regatta – Australia’s largest offshore sailing series – caters for a remarkably wide range of sailboats: from sportboats and trailables through to Grand Prix level keelboats, maxi and supermaxi yachts, cruising yachts of all sizes and configuration, and multihulls.

Audi Australia returns as the naming right sponsor of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week for an incredible eleventh year. Throughout the past decade of partnership, Audi and Hamilton Island have worked hand-in-hand to create the most impressive sailing regatta in Australia, with even more activities on offer for sailors and onshore guests alike. This shared vision is based on a joint passion for winning performance, technological innovation and spirited competition.
Image Caption: Sailing in paradise: Racing on the tropical waters of the Whitsunday Passage is one of the many magnificent experiences sailors enjoy at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week. (Image: Andrea Francolini)

All information relating to AHIRW is on the regatta website www.audihamiltonislandraceweek.com.au