Inaugural Australian Yachting Champs awarded to Audi Hamilton Race

by Rob Mundle on 30 Nov 2015 2016 Audi Hamilton Island Race Week - The inaugural Australian Yachting Championship, which has been awarded to Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016, will include an elite Performance Handicap division.

The sport’s governing body, Yachting Australia, has announced this expansion of the national series – previously titled the Australian IRC Championship – to accommodate a sector of keelboat racing that is expanding significantly across the country.

The decision to rename the series The Australian Yachting Championship also reflects this trend.

In announcing the expansion of divisions for the national championship, and that Audi Hamilton Island Race Week would be the championship venue for the second consecutive year, the president of Yachting Australia, Matt Allen, said the decision was influenced by two factors: “All crews enjoy the superb and varied racing conditions and courses set against a stunning backdrop, and the ability of Glenn Bourke and his team to deliver an outstanding event.

“It also feels appropriate that the sailing community be the first to welcome back the Australian Sailing Team as they return directly from the Rio Olympics as so many sailors taking part at Hamilton Island have been loyal supporters of the athletes for many years”, he added. “Those supporters include Hamilton Island and the Oatley family who have been long-term partners of Yachting Australia and the Australian Sailing Team.”

Glenn Bourke, who is a world champion and Olympic sailor, as well as CEO of Hamilton Island, said everyone associated with Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2015 could feel justifiably proud as a consequence of Yachting Australia’s decision.

“We are honoured to have Yachting Australia endorse Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016 by awarding us the Australian Yachting Championship,” Bourke said.

“The 2015 IRC Australian Championship was recognised by many as the best ever when it came to race management, course selection, the intense level of competition and the exceptional camaraderie that was experienced onshore.

“It is our intention to make the inaugural Australian Yachting Championship 2016 even better.”

Television Program on Boxing Day: Organisers of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2015 are also pleased to announce that a 30-minute television program covering this year’s Race Week will be aired on Channel Seven on Boxing Day in conjunction with the live coverage of the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race.

The scheduled local times for the program are:

• Sydney/Melbourne: 1200-1230
• Brisbane: 1300- 1330
• Adelaide: 1330 - 1400
• Perth: 1100 – 1130