Hamilton Island Race Week 2025: Nautilus Marine Insurance Classic day delivers world-class racing
by Nautilus Marine Insurance 1 Sep 15:42 AEST
16-23 August 2025
Six days of competition, more than 155 yachts, and spectacular Whitsundays conditions cemented Race Week's place as Australia's premier regatta.
Hamilton Island once again became the beating heart of Australian sailing as the 40th Hamilton Island Race Week unfolded in the Whitsundays. With six days of racing across crystal waters and stunning island backdrops, the regatta delivered a perfect mix of sailing and celebration. Nautilus Marine Insurance is a proud partner of Hamilton Island Race Week, and the occasion was made even more special as it is our 20th anniversary, making it a double celebration.
"The 40th Hamilton Island Race Week was a landmark event, and this year was extra special as it was also celebrating 20 years of Nautilus Marine Insurance. It was inspiring to see so many of our customers out on the water, embracing the spirit of competition and camaraderie," said Lyndon Turner, CEO of Nautilus Marine Insurance. "Our partnership with Race Week over the past four years has been fantastic. Huge credit to the Hamilton Island team and organising committee for creating an event that's exciting on the water and seamless behind the scenes. We're proud to be part of this vibrant sailing community and to have been at the event, connecting with sailors, their friends, and families."
The action kicked off in true style at the Nautilus Marine Insurance Yacht Owners and Skippers Cocktail Party on opening night, before the yachts fanned out across a range of courses designed to test crews and showcase the beauty of the region. Among the week's highlights were the Nautilus Marine Insurance Classic Long and Medium races, where sailors' precision and stamina were thoroughly tested.
Nautilus Marine Insurance customer Tim Foster owns Bluewater Sailing School in Victoria and brought his Beneteau 40.7 Boomer up to Hamilton Island with a mixed crew of friends and students. "Hamilton Island Race Week is such an iconic event," Foster said. "This was our second time racing here, and we combined the week on the island with slow cruises up, and back to Melbourne giving our students multiple opportunities to learn. The organisation at Race Week is first rate and great value."
Another crew who made the trip from Victoria came from Sandringham Yacht Club on board the yacht Journey. David Beck from Sundance Marine was at Race Week with his son and a crew of 10, most of whom have been racing together for the last 10 years. "We have done eight Race Weeks since we bought the yacht, it's a great way to get out of a Melbourne winter and enjoy The Whitsundays," says Beck whose yacht is also covered by Nautilus Marine Insurance. "This year we took our time on the way up, cruising the islands and getting in some extra racing."
Olympian and CEO of Australian Sailing, Malcolm Page, was full of praise for the 40th Hamilton Island Race Week, describing it as "an absolutely cracking event." Reflecting on the sailing, he said the regatta delivered "amazing trade winds, beautiful conditions and a great time to escape the winter." Page, who has now competed in eight Hamilton Island Race Weeks, added, "all of this together makes such a special event."
Skipper of Wild Oats X, Mark Richards, highlighted both the prestige of the regatta and the support behind it.
"Hamilton Island Race Week is an amazing event, now celebrating its 40th year," Richards said. "We're very appreciative of Nautilus Marine Insurance. They do a fantastic job, not only here at the event but also in providing insurance solutions for boat owners. Their support really helps make occasions like this possible."
Celebrating its 40th edition in 2025, Hamilton Island Race Week once again delivered perfect Whitsundays conditions, world-class racing and unmatched hospitality, reinforcing its place as a true highlight of the international sailing calendar.