Dates set for 2027 Airlie Beach Race Week - save it in your calendar!
by Di Pearson/ABRW media 8 Sep 23:23 PDT
12-18 August 2027
Whitsunday Sailing Club is pleased to announce that the dates have been locked in for Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) 2027 which will be held from 12-18 August - so set the time aside and put the dates in your sailing calendar now!
Registration will be on Wednesday 11th August, with the lay day to fall on Sunday 15th August and the official presentation on Wednesday 18th August. We will advise when entries are open and the Notice of Race available.
Sponsored by Jeanneau Yachts presented by Mooloolaba Yacht Brokers and 74 Islands Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) was held in August this year. Over 120 boats entered and sailed in the most perfect conditions all week on Pioneer Bay and around the Whitsunday Islands, one of the most outstanding holiday and sailing destinations in the world.
Summer like conditions, great sailing, free whale watching, dolphins at play, turtles and dugongs - and a fireworks display on the final night - what more could you want?
No wonder the event attracts not just a huge sailing following, it is an important sporting event that brings millions to the local economy each year due to competitors, their families and friends.
The local community and tourists also enjoy what the event offers ashore. Free entertainment and bands at WSC each night, inclusive of food stalls and the Club's own restaurant along with a movie night for the whole family.
Competitors also enjoyed the booked out Changing Courses long lunch in the stunning Whitsundays, with views that rivalled the food and beverages that were on offer at the 74 Islands Distillery event. Sailors and visitors alike were also welcomed aboard a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 455 that showcased modern cruising life at its best.
Others chose to give something back to the region on lay day, helping ABRW competitors, environmentalists and visionaries, Ian and Annika Thomson, keep the local waters around the Whitsundays pristine. This volunteers helped the couple collect tons of rubbish that was put on Ocean Crusaders' barge, as is the case ever year.
During the week, others helped the committed couple collect cans from the rubbish at the Club with the proceeds going to WSC junior sailing programs.
It is a wonderful week of racing, fun and relaxation and officials at WSC are already working on plans for the 39th edition of their signature event. They also look forward to welcoming old friends and new in 2027, including all the 2026 winners and placegetters.
The Club is looking forward to the return of a contingent from New Zealand too. There were five boats in 2026. Terry Bailiey, who hadn't sailed in a year, took a couple of days to get his eye in, but came good to win the off-the-beach Multihull Division with Teal Spirit. Others enjoyed race wins and a couple just missed the podium.
"We look forward to welcoming all in 2027," said Terry Archer, Event Chairman and WSC President.
"So many owners return with their yachts year in, year out, which we appreciate and look forward to seeing them again," Archer concluded.
For all information and to view all that happened this year, please visit: www.abrw.com.au