Businesses support Telcoinabox Airlie Beach Race Week 2012

by Corrie Gardner on 21 Jul 2012 President of the Whitsunday Sailing Club, Jeff Brown, says that the fantastic support of businesses for this year’s event has added to the growing buzz and excitement in Airlie Beach.

Mr Brown says 'the common ground for the Whitsunday Sailing Club and Race Week sponsors is the spirit of the event, the spirit of sailing and the healthy and enthusiastic competition.'

'Telcoinabox is a big part of the buzz around town,' says Mr Brown. 'It’s an innovative, vibrant company which in fewer than eight years has built an international business with more than 150 telecommunications providers across Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. They believe in building successful businesses and that people work best when they’re happy which is why taking on the naming rights sponsorship of Telcoinabox Airlie Beach Race Week is such a perfect fit. They will be bringing over 20 staff and Service Providers to the event in recognition of their hard work and achievements in driving their business.'

Business sponsor the event for a variety of reasons and Chris Dobson from Nautilus Marine Insurance says, 'we can see a genuine benefit to North Queensland, in both encouraging participation in this well-organised event and in promoting boating as a safe and enjoyable recreational activity. We see genuine enthusiasm from the participants and this leads to greater attendance each year, as boat owners enjoy being part of this fantastic event.'

Nigel Pemberton, from Shingley Beach Resort said Telcoinabox Airlie Beach Race Week was central to the Airlie Beach experience. 'Sailing has always been part of the Airlie Beach experience and Race Week is an integral part of that,' he said. 'You don’t have to be a super yacht owner to take part and the comradeship is fantastic. We are delighted to have been a sponsor over the past few years and will continue to support this great local sailing event.'

'Over the years I have watched this regatta grow in size and stature', says Mark Bell from Airlie Beach Hotel. 'We contribute a considerable amount in room nights and in return the hotel has gained additional occupancy and this flows over to spending in our restaurants and retail outlets and also for many other venues.'

Danielle Seymour, acting CEO of Whitsundays Marketing and Development, said the whole region was looking forward to the economic boost from Race Week. 'Thanks to such great support from local businesses, Telcoinabox Airlie Beach Race Week has been able to grow and attract more entrants and has now added social events to the race week schedule to involve the public,' Ms Seymour said.

'We very actively market the Whitsundays as Australia’s aquatic playground, and that the Season of Sailing is a great time to visit,' says Danielle. 'And it really is – everyone can feel the excitement building.'

Long term supporters of the event include XXXX, Events Queensland, Mount Gay Rum, Nautilus Marine and Whitsunday Regional Council while new supporters include Telcoinabox, Port of Airlie, Abel Point Marina and Airlie Beach Hotel. The event is hosted by the Whitsunday Sailing Club and this year they have found sponsorship from over 30 businesses to ensure the 23rd annual Telcoinabox Airlie Beach Race Week showcases the best of Airlie Beach and sailing in the Whitsundays.