Saturday 17 August 2019

Hamilton Island Race Week Set to Commence With Second Largest Fleet in History

Australia's leading lifestyle event, Hamilton Island Race Week will begin on August 17 for a week of some of the best sailing and events in the country.

This year, the iconic regatta will see the second largest fleet in the 36 year history of the event with over 234 boats entered to date, making Hamilton Island Race Week the largest offshore keelboat regatta in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sailors at Hamilton Island Race Week are expecting exceptional conditions and some of the most picturesque competitive sailing in the world. The sailing conditions will be equally matched with the line-up of social events which will celebrate the very best of the Australian lifestyle. This year, the event has attracted some of the best Chef's in Australia to the Whitsundays, including Peter Gilmore (Quay/Bennelong) and Lennox Hastie (Firedoor).

The 2019 fleet is comprised of yachts and sailors from international waters and all corners of Australia. Key highlights for spectators include the Hamilton Island Race Week debut of Karl Kwok's state-of-the-art Beau Geste Trimaran and the Oatley Family's Wild Oats X, which most recently raced in the Sydney to Hobart with the first all-female professional crew in the history of the famous Hobart race.

Hamilton Island CEO, Glenn Bourke, said Hamilton Island Race Week promised the unique atmosphere and camaraderie that guests have come to enjoy.

“Hamilton Island Race Week has evolved into Australia's preeminent sailing regatta and has preserved the relaxed onshore atmosphere guests enjoy. A key highlight this year has been the introduction of the Brisbane – Hamilton Island Yacht Race, which is anticipated to evolve into the major warm water ocean race in the southern hemisphere. During Race Week, Hamilton Island will be at capacity and we look forward to welcoming over 5,000 guests to the Island.”

The 2019 program for Hamilton Island Race Week has 'something for everybody' and many activities are open for ticket sales - including the new Charles Heidsieck Champagne Lunch event on August 21. Additionally, the regatta offers guests the opportunity to experience Hamilton Island's new luxury Great Barrier Reef product, Heart Island which opened in mid-July.

Highlights of the Hamilton Island Race Week Program include:

Saturday 17th of August:
ROLEX Opening Dinner, qualia

As the crown in sailing for more than 60 years, Rolex is the committed partner of yachting's most prestigious races, regattas, clubs and sailors. It shares the highest standards of excellence with the custodians of yachting's enduring spirit. The Rolex Opening Dinner will celebrate locally sourced produce and culinary leaders - including Lennox Hastie (Firedoor) - who set the highest standards of craftsmanship and precision, using traditional methods to create the finest products.

Sunday 18th of August:
Dinner with Peter Gilmore presented by TRAVEL ASSOCIATES, qualia

Peter Gilmore, Executive Chef at Sydney's esteemed Quay and Bennelong restaurants, will create an elegant dinner which promises to explore some of Australia's finest ingredients.

Monday 19th of August:
Robert Oatley Wines Dinner, Hamilton Island Yacht Club

This event is an opportunity to sample the Oatley family's best drops with Sandy Oatley and Darren Jahn. Guests will be taken on a fascinating journey through the Oatley Family's Western and South Australian vineyards featuring their highest scoring wines from Australia's leading critic James Halliday.

Wednesday 21 August:
Charles Heidsieck Champagne Lunch, qualia

Guests can celebrate Lay Day overlooking the Whitsunday Islands at the Charles Heidsieck Champagne Lunch, which is a new addition to the Race Week events line-up. Starting at Pebble Beach before moving to an elegant long lunch at Long Pavilion, the afternoon will feature a delectable menu designed to pair perfectly with Charles Heidsieck Champagne.

Friday 23 August:
Paspaley luncheon, qualia

The Paspaley lunch will be held on the sands of Pebble Beach for the highly anticipated annual white luncheon. Guests can expect to enjoy views overlooking the blue waters of the Coral Sea while admiring the beauty of Paspaley pearls, the most beautiful pearls in the world.

Other events throughout the week include the Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Bar at the Bommie Deck, Live entertainment on Front Street – with a special performance by Furnace and the Fundamentals, The Sumer Bright Pool Party, Tanqueray Garden Bar, Bloody Mary Pop Up Bar and daily spectator cruises.

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