Australia's largest offshore sailing regatta Hamilton Island Race Week

Celebrating 40 years of thrilling competition, Hamilton Island Race Week draws yachties and spectators from around the world for Australia’s largest offshore sailing regatta.

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Welcome to Hamilton Island Race Week

16 - 23 August 2025

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On-shore events

Sailing into History – 40 Years of Hamilton Island Race Week.

For four decades, Hamilton Island Race Week has been Australia’s premier offshore sailing regatta, bringing together yachties, family and friends in the breathtaking Whitsundays for a week of thrilling competition and unforgettable island celebrations.

What began as a passion project has grown into Australia’s largest offshore sailing regatta, an unmissable highlight on the global sailing calendar. Every August, sailors and spectators from around the world arrive at Hamilton Island for exhilarating racing on the water and a vibrant social scene onshore.

With the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland’s 74 Whitsunday Islands as its backdrop, Hamilton Island offers the ultimate sailing experience with ideal racing conditions, an unbeatable atmosphere, a range of accommodation, world-class dining and endless adventure.

Join us for the competition, stay for the celebration, 2025 marks 40 years of sailing in paradise.

2024 Highlights

qualia Race Week Opening Weekend Package

15 - 18 August or 16 - 19 August 2025
Be part of opening weekend with renowned Australian seafood chef Josh Niland and acclaimed guest chef Will Cowper to present a curated culinary experience.

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qualia Race Week Experience Package

19 - 23 August 2025
Stay 4 nights at qualia during Hamilton Island Race Week and receive a complimentary Impulsive superyacht Cruise experience per adult.

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Race Week Sailor Accommodation

This August, thousands of yachties and spectators from all over the world will converge on Hamilton Island for the vibrant Hamilton Island Race Week. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action. Book your accommodation with our exclusive participant offers. Hurry, accommodation for this time of year fills up very quickly.

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Race Schedule

Notice Board

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Press Releases

Race Results

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Race Week Daily Highlights

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FAQ's

What time is the first race on the first day?

It is common practise for a number of crews to fly in on the day of the first race. Unfortunately flights from most destinations do not arrive until midday or later. This will be too late to get onboard your boat for the first race. The start times on other days will vary, but will generally be between 1030hrs and 1130hrs.

Can I live aboard my yacht during Race Week?

Yes, and you'll have lots of company. Each year hundreds of yachties live aboard, and the marina is a lively place. There are showers and toilets ashore which you can use.

Can I enter more than one handicap class?

No. Yachts may enter for one class only.

Can I change handicap class after I have entered the regatta?

Yes, you can change to a different handicap class (provided your boat is eligible) at any time up to the day before the racing starts. Should you wish to change class, just send us an email to let us know.

I need to book a marina berth?

No, lodging your entry alerts us to the fact that you are coming, and gives us the dimensions of your boat. The marina staff works out a mooring plan to fit the boats into the marina, but there's always a degree of rafting involved. We do try to put all the relevant groups of boats together as much as possible - such as all the boats of a particular class (for example the Farr 40's, the Beneteau's, etc).

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