Special trophies awarded at Airlie Beach Race Week

by Di Pearson on 18 Aug 2016 Airlie Beach Race Week came to an end with the official prize giving, held at Whitsunday Sailing Club where special prizes were awarded, including the Boss Hog Trophy.

Presented for the first time in 2002, it is named for Don Algie, founder of Race Week and long-term sponsor with Hogs Breath Café. Algie competed again this year, entering his easily recognisable Van de Stadt 55, Storm.

Boss Hog Trophy
The Boss Hog Trophy is presented to the crew that best sums up the spirit of Race Week, displays sportsmanship and stands above the rest over the course of the regatta, on and off the water.

Some of the more famous names that appear on the trophy include the late Lou Abrahams (Another Challenge); Aftershock (Colin O’Neil), Loki (Stephen Ainsworth) and Holy Cow (John and Kim Clinton).
This year, the trophy was presented the trophy to APC Mad Maxi, Tony Considine’s Grainger 10 skippered at this regatta by George Owen. APC Mad Max won an incredible six from six races against stiff opposition.

Best Performing Local Boat
Third placegetter in Cruising Division two, Rob Davis’ Treasure VIII was awarded the Best Performing Local Boat.

Line Honours trophy
The Line Honours trophy for 2015 went to Angus Fletcher’s Tevake II from Hobsons Bay Yacht Club in Victoria, which took line honours in every Cruising Division two race.

Hosted by the Whitsunday Sailing Club, racing in the ‘Tropical Festival of Sailing’ closes this evening with the official prize giving.

Thank you
What would any event do without volunteers? There are so many, doing so many different jobs, it is impossible to name all. Each one gives up their time to help out, including some who double up and race.

From race management, to on water race officials to the jury, media boat drivers, IT help, to the ladies who made fresh lunch for all those on the water every day and so many others who help out organising accommodation, social activities and more. It is a big commitment and many come from Australia wide to help every year.

To the management and staff of Whitsunday Sailing Club, thanks for making everyone so welcome at their Club each year and keeping competitors fed and entertained.

To the major sponsors Tourism and Events Queensland, Whitsunday Regional Council, Great Northern Brewing Company, Pantaenius Marine Insurance, Star FM and KMK, The Whitsunday Times and At Hotel Group, along with many support sponsors, a big thank you for helping the event be the success it is.

And to the competitors, from the record 131 entries this year, there would be no Airlie Beach Race Week without you. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2017.