Hamilton Island Race Week gets under way to a gentle start

Wild Oats X - 2019 Hamilton Island Race Week day 1 © Salty Dingo

One of Australia's top photographers, Craig Greenhill (saltydingo.com.au) was on the water for Day 1 of the Hamilton Island Race Week.

This year the popular international regatta has attracted a fleet of 234 boats - the second largest fleet in the regatta's 36 year history.

Entries range from the MOD70 Beau Geste to trailer sailers - all enjoying racing in the idyllic Whitsunday Islands, Queensland.

Here's Salty Dingo's view of the day.

Day 1 - Hamilton Island Race Week - August 18, 2019 - photo © Salty Dingo

Day 1 - Hamilton Island Race Week - August 18, 2019 - photo © Salty Dingo

Day 1 - Hamilton Island Race Week - August 18, 2019 - photo © Salty Dingo

Day 1 - Hamilton Island Race Week - August 18, 2019 - photo © Salty Dingo

Day 1 - Hamilton Island Race Week - August 18, 2019 - photo © Salty Dingo

Day 1 - Hamilton Island Race Week - August 18, 2019 - photo © Salty Dingo

Day 1 - Hamilton Island Race Week - August 18, 2019 - photo © Salty Dingo

Day 1 - Hamilton Island Race Week - August 18, 2019 - photo © Salty Dingo

Day 1 - Hamilton Island Race Week - August 18, 2019 - photo © Salty Dingo

Day 1 - Hamilton Island Race Week - August 18, 2019 - photo © Salty Dingo

Hamilton Island Race Week day 1 in the Whitsundays - photo © Salty Dingo

Hamilton Island Race Week day 1 - Extreme 40 Mad Max - photo © Salty Dingo

Hooligan takes first win - 2019 Hamilton Island Race Week day 1 - photo © Salty Dingo

Fun on board Indulgence - 2019 Hamilton Island Race Week day 1 - photo © Salty Dingo