Trans-Tasman rivalry renewed as Hamilton Island Race Week fleet builds

by Caroline Denyer 6 Jul 15:57 PDT 15-22 August 2026

Hamilton Island Race Week © Salty Dingo

With over 180 boats now entered and entries still open, Hamilton Island Race Week is shaping up to be one of the event's strongest fleets in recent years. But for Bill Kidman and his Ross 12 Pretty Boy Floyd, August can't come soon enough.

Earlier this year, Kidman enjoyed a close battle with Sharon Ferris-Choat's Vixen Racing during the Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge before his campaign ended prematurely. Hamilton Island Race Week now provides the opportunity for the pair to renew their rivalry, this time in the warmer waters of the Whitsundays.

Kidman, who ran the Great Escape Sailing School in Opua for nine years before making the solo crossing, said Hamilton Island Race Week had long been on the list.

"We've heard plenty about Hamilton Island Race Week over the years and it's one we've always wanted to do," Kidman said.

"The Whitsundays is an incredible place to sail and the standard of competition is always high. There are some quality boats entered this year, so it should make for a great week on the water.

"Whenever Kiwi and Australian crews get together there's a bit of friendly rivalry, but it's also a chance to catch up with people you don't often see and race against some very good sailors."

Hamilton Island Race Week - photo © Salty Dingo

Competition is building right across the fleet. The Super 40 Plus division has attracted a strong fleet, setting the stage for one of the closest contests of the week.

Hamilton Island Race Director Denis Thompson said the fleet continued to grow across every division. "With over 180 boats now entered and entries still open, we're shaping up for another outstanding Hamilton Island Race Week," Thompson said.

"We've got competitive divisions throughout the regatta, from the Super 40 Plus class and TP52s through to the multihulls, cruising yachts and trailer yachts. Every class develops its own story over the course of the week, and that's what makes for good racing.

"It's also fantastic to see New Zealand crews making the trip across the Tasman. They always add another competitive element to Race Week."

Hamilton Island Race Week - photo © Salty Dingo

At the top end, Grant Wharington and Adrian Seiffert's 100-foot super maxi Wild Thing 100 headlines the fleet, with Sandy Oatley's Wild Oats X among the leading maxis. The TP52 division features Highly Sprung, Quest, Virago, Zen and New Zealand's V5.

The multihull fleet ranges from performance catamarans to bluewater cruisers, including New Zealand entry Cat+Ion, while a strong Non-Spinnaker division, Cape 31 one-design fleet and Trailable Yachts division round out the fleet. At the other end of the fleet is Aquila, Alan Beavis' 6.9-metre Sonata 7, reinforcing the diversity that has long defined Hamilton Island Race Week.

Now in its 41st edition, Hamilton Island Race Week, presented by American Express, is as well known for its onshore atmosphere as its racing. This year's onshore program includes the Balter Beach Party on lay day, the traditional Presentation Dinner, spectator cruises aboard M/Y Rascal, presented by Ahoy Club, and an evening with Olympic silver medallist Olivia Price and America's Cup sailor Cole Tapper, alongside a range of dining and social events throughout the week.