Race Week was conceived by David Hutchen in 1983 – he was an ex Melbourne guy who had moved to the Whitsundays with his yacht “Banjo Paterson” to start a business there. He had become friendly with Keith Williams, the owner of Hamilton Island, and when David suggested it, Keith agreed to holding a regatta at Hamilton Island.

A three man Race Committee was formed, David Hutchen, Warwick Hoban and Leon O’Donoghue (Leon died in 2005). For the first few years these three started the races, worked out the results, heard the protests, and even ran most of the social events. It was a busy time.

The first event was in April 1984. The island had only recently begun trading and was far from finished. The accommodation deal on offer at the time of that first event was called “Construction Capers” – appropriate because there always seemed to be a bulldozer going past as you sat there having your lunch.

That first year was great, a fleet of 93 boats gathered to check out the new resort and the new regatta. It rained every day and blew like hell – the media unkindly dubbed it “Hamilton Island Rain Week”, and said it was held in the “Wetsundays”. But the atmosphere of that first regatta was great and Race Week was well and truly born. For the next few years the fleet was down around 60 or so boats, but grew gradually.

For the first eight years Race Week was held in April, starting on the first Saturday after Easter. Southern boats sailed up the coast in the Sydney-Mooloolaba, and then the Brisbane-Gladstone at Easter, then made their way to Hamilton Island. It meant that those southern boats were having to leave their home base before the end of the summer sailing season, which wasn’t as appealing as the prospect of doing some winter sailing in shorts and t-shirt.

After a few years of having Race Week in April with mixed weather conditions, it was moved to August in 1992 when the weather is much more settled and its also a more appealing time for Southern sailors to leave their winter home and head for the tropics. Since then it has gone from strength to strength to its present position of being Australia's premier keelboat regatta.

Race Week's success has grown from its mix of beautiful courses around the picturesque Whitsundays, top quality race management, and amazing shore side partying. The format has been moulded over the years to meet the changing circumstances of handicapping systems, design trends, and the general needs of sailors looking for a good time. We have always had a policy of listening to yacht owners and responding to their suggestions.

There's plenty to do ashore at Hamilton Island, so Race Week has also grown in popularity with wives/girlfriends and families, and each year more and more "hangers-on" come to Race Week to share in the fun. The result is a carnival atmosphere on the island during Race Week - a good time is assured for everyone.