2015 Airlie Beach Race Week - Less than two weeks to go

by Laurie Osborne on 28 Jul 2015 2015 Airlie Beach Race Week - With less than two weeks to go until Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) sets sail, excitement is building throughout the Asia-Pacific region for what will be the most fun-packed race week in the event’s 26-year history.

'We’re poised to welcome 1,300 crew members and 3,000 spectators from near and far to share in the fun and celebrate the tropical festival of sailing with us,” said ABRW Committee Chairman, Jim Hayes.

ABRW offers seven days of sailing, seven racing divisions and seven nights of free entertainment for all under the marquee at the Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC). Each race day begins with a breathtaking parade of over a hundred yachts, colourful sails ballooning as they head seaward.

A universal daily highlight is the ‘Welcome Ashore Happy Hour’ (3.30-4.30pm) where anyone can say “G’day” to the sailing crews at Barcelona Tapas Bar on the waterfront of Abell Point Marina. Every day from 4.30pm until late, there will be food stalls serving a variety of mouth-watering dishes at great prices, racing results announcements and outstanding live music to enjoy.

A mid-regatta ‘lay day’ offering a great opportunity for everyone to take advantage of the WSC-organised entertainment, explore the local restaurants and take in the natural wonders that have made the region such an international draw.

Airlie Beach, and the Whitsundays, are increasingly popular with Asian visitors. Airlie’s forthcoming Chinatown, the largest tourism development to occur in regional Queensland in the last decade, is set to be joined by a Buddhist temple, integrated resort development and the upgrading of the Whitsunday Coast Airport to international standard.

ABRW 2015 will be held from 7-14 August on the waters of Pioneer Bay and the Whitsunday Passage.

Even at this stage, it’s not too late to join the sailing, with online registration closing on Saturday, first August. For an entry form, Notice of Race and more information, visit website.