2026 Notice of Race

1. Invitation

The Hamilton Island Yacht Club Inc (HIYC), as the organising authority (OA), invites entries from owners and charterers of suitable boats to race on the waters of the Whitsunday Passage and surrounding waters between 16th  August and 22nd August 2026. 

The fleet for Hamilton Island Race Week 2026 (‘HIRW 2026’) will be capped depending on berthage availability and any other relevant restrictions at the time.  Entrants are reminded to be prompt in completing an entry to avoid disappointment.

2. Rules

2.1 The event is governed by the rules as defined in The Racing Rules of Sailing, 

2.2 Amendments made to this Notice-of-Race will be published on the online notice board on the event web site (www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au). 

2.3 An International Jury shall be at the Event. The right of appeal from a Jury decision is denied as provided in RRS 70.3(a). Arbitration in accordance with RRS Appendix T (that may be amended) may be offered.

2.4 RRS 52 is changed to permit powered winches for all boats.

2.5 RRS 41(c) is changed as follows:
A boat shall not receive help from any outside source, except help in the form of information which is freely available to all boats, which shall include navigational, weather, tide or current information from any source which is available to all boats whether or not by payment of a fee or subscription, but shall not include information gathered or the subject of interpretation by, or any advice received from, any person not on board the boat and which is specific to the boat and her situation.
By way of an example and interpretation, downloading charts, weather and/or tidal GRIB files from subscription services, or having such information passed to the boat in its pure form, is permitted.
The use by competitors of publicly available cloud-based weather routing services is permitted. Receiving messages or information which is the result of human interpretation as it applies to the boat is not permitted.
A boat may, without infringing RRS 41, request and receive repetition of information broadcast by the Race Committee or be told whether a broadcast has been made.

2.6 Boats not racing in an IRC Class may only use movable and/or variable ballast for the purpose of increasing stability with the permission of the Race Committee. Any such request must be accompanied by full details of the system involved, and any such system will be considered in establishing the yacht's handicap. Stored power may be used for the operation of movable and/or variable ballast systems. This changes rules 51 and 52 to the extent required by this paragraph. 

2.7 A current or fully amended paper chart AUS252 or Electronic Chart System (ECS) covering the sailing area shall be carried on board.  All electronic chart data is to be downloaded to an ECS or available on a data storage device prior to starting and not dependent on internet or phone service connection.  

2.8 The owner and skipper of all boats shall ensure that no entities form unauthorised associations between themselves (and their products or services) and the event (otherwise known as "ambush marketing") or any “hijack signage” is carried out by or on behalf of themselves or their sponsors with reference to the event and that nothing else is done which might undermine the event, the rights of the event sponsor, or any other sponsor or participant in the event.

2.9 Boats shall not use boat tracking, photography, or video for commercial purposes without prior written approval of the organising authority.

2.10 Unless specifically authorized in writing by the Race Committee, boats and Support Persons shall not use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (“UAV” aka “drone”) anywhere on Hamilton Island and surrounding waters at any time. The Penalty for a breach of this rule will be (DNE) Disqualified Not Excludable.

2.11 The text of IRC Rule 21.1.5(d) and 21.1.5(e) is deleted and amended as follows: 21.1.5
(d) By close of registration, boats racing under the IRC Rule shall submit to the regatta office a declaration of the sails they may use in the regatta. The sail declaration shall be limited to:

• 1 mainsail;
• 1 Mizzen sail (only if such a sail is detailed on the boat’s IRC certificate);
• 1 Heavy Weather Jib (that complies with applicable AS Special Regulations regarding such a sail);
• 1 Storm Trysail (that complies with applicable AS Special Regulations regarding such a sail);
• 1 Storm Jib (that complies with applicable AS Special Regulations regarding such a sail);
• and 
• the maximum number of each type of headsails and spinnakers detailed on the boat’s IRC Certificate.

(e) On a scheduled race day, boats shall only carry declared sails and these sails shall remain the same from when the boat leaves the harbour or mooring until the boat returns to the harbour or mooring. Boats do not have to carry all their declared sails. 

2.12 World Sailing Test Rule DR21-01 applies. The RRS definition of “Start” is changed and will be as detailed in the sailing instructions.

3. Classes & Handicaps

3.1 The event will be handicapped in the following classes or as determined under NoR 4.10 

3.2. Handicaps

Rating Class results will be scored by the application of a boat’s TCC printed on each boat’s IRC certificate. The ratings shall be a multiplier of elapsed time with the lowest corrected time being the winner and so forth.  

TP52 Class results will be scored by the application of a boat’s TPR as supplied by the Australian TP52 owners’ group and will also be scored by the application of the IRC TCC printed on each boat’s IRC certificate.

Super 40 Class results will be scored by application of the Super 40 PHRF ratings as provided by the Super 40 Class and will also be scored by the application of the IRC TCC printed on each boat’s IRC certificate.  

One Design Classes will compete off scratch without handicaps.  

Multihull Racing Class will be scored by the application of ratings will be obtained from the current QMYC list of OMR Ratings and each boat’s rating will be used as a multiplier of elapsed time with the lowest corrected time being the winner and so forth.    

For all other classes, Event Handicap System (EHC) time correction factors will be issued by Hamilton Island Yacht Club Handicap Committee and will not be grounds for redress (alters RRS 60.1 and 62).  EHC are performance based and a boat’s EHC may be adjusted at any time during the regatta. 

3.3 The “Hitchhiker” Trophy Team Series
        3.3.1  The “Hitchhiker” Trophy will be a State Team Series concurrent with Hamilton Island Race Week 2026.
         3.3.2 The State with the lowest total score of the two (2) best performing boats in Rating Class shall be the winner and awarded the “Hitchhiker” Trophy.

3. 4 South Pacific Trophy Team Series
        3.4.1  The South Pacific Trophy will be an International Team Series concurrent with Hamilton Island Race Week 2026.
A two boat National Team may be entered into the South Pacific Trophy Series.
        3.4.2  Each Nation may only enter one team.  A team will consist of one boat from Rating Class with a TCC 1.16 and above, and one boat from Rating Class with a TCC below 1.16.  
        3.4.3  At least 40% (rounded up e.g. a crew of 9 = 4) of the crew of each boat on board in any race will comprise individuals who are Nationals of the country of the relevant team or individuals who have since 1^st August 2022 had their principal residence in that country or individuals who were born in that country.  Proof of Nationality, residence or birth may be required.
         3.4.4  The South Pacific Trophy Teams Series will be scored on each Team’s boats’ series scores.

4. Eligibility and Classes

4.1 Rating Class
(a)    The 2026 IRC rule (parts A, B & C) shall apply. Boats shall hold a valid IRC 2026 rating certificate at the time of the races.  Boats holding a secondary IRC certificate will declare which IRC certificate that will be used for the regatta no later than 2359hrs on the 11th August 2026. The race committee will use a boat’s IRC certificate information downloaded from the irc-racing.org website no later than 2359hrs on the 11th August 2026. No alteration to a boat's TCC will be permitted after this time, except as a result of a rating protest, or to correct Rating Authority errors.  
(b)  Rating Class will be split into divisions to have like boats sailing together, this will be based on Hull Factor (HF), Displacement Length Ratio (DLR), Length of Hull (LH), IRC Series Date and the boats Time Correction Factor (TCC).
(c)The race committee intends to publish divisional lists on the event website by 15th August 2026.
(d)The courses to be sailed will consist of a combination of windward - leeward and passage races as determined by the Race Committee.

4.2 TP52 Class boats will have a genesis from the International TP52 Class rules or PAC52 Class rules.  TP52 Class will sail on the same course area as Rating Class but may be a separate start.

4.2 Super 40 Class 
(a)  Encompasses boats from about 31 feet to about 44 feet that are light, fast, highly canvassed and sail with asymmetrical off-wind sails.
(b)  Boats will have a valid Super40 (PHRF) rating (the Super40 Group will be responsible for generating PHRF ratings for the fleet).
(c)  The courses to be sailed will consist of a combination of windward - leeward and passage races as determined by the Race Committee and may sail more than one race per day.

4.3 One Design Classes (MC38, M32, Sydney38 etc.) 
(a) Boats will have a current Class One Design Certificate.
(b) One Design Classes will sail a mixture of passage races and windward/leeward races.

4.4 Hamilton Island Class 
(a)  Boats will be between 9 metres and 30 metres Length of Hull (LH) will be eligible and boats shall not be stripped out or lightened for the regatta.
(b)  Hamilton Island Class will be split into divisions to have like boats sailing together.  The race committee intends to publish divisional lists on the event website by 15th August 2026.
(c)  Hamilton Island Class will sail passage races with islands as course marks and may sail more than one race per day.

4.5 Non–Spinnaker Class 
(a) Boats will be the same requirements as for Hamilton Island Class, except boats shall sail with a main and headsails only. A headsail is defined as a sail with the entire luff of the sail attached along a headstay. 
(b) Boats in this class shall not carry spinnakers or Code Zero sails. 
(c) One Headsail may be poled out with a whisker pole on the windward side only, except during manoeuvres and short-term changes of course. This changes rule 55.2.    
(d) Non-Spinnaker Class will sail passage races with islands as course marks.

4.6 Trailable Yachts Class 
(a) Boats will be yachts that are able to be trailed, launched and retrieved on a road-legal trailer and will be handicapped by the HIYC Handicap Committee based on CBH.  
(b) Trailable Yachts Class will sail predominately passage races and may sail more than one race per day.

4.7 Multihull Racing Class 
(a) Boats shall hold a current Offshore Multihull Rule (OMR) rating.
(b) Crew weights will be collected by the OMR committee and publish subsequent ratings on their website
(c) The courses to be sailed will consist of a combination of windward - leeward and passage races as determined by the Race Committee.

4.8 Multihull Hamilton Island Class 
(a) Boats will be fitted out to cruising standards and boats shall not be stripped or lightened.  Boats will be handicapped by the HIYC Handicap Committee.  
(b)  Multihulls Cruising Class will sail passage races with islands as course marks.
4.10 The organising authority may alter, amalgamate or divide any class, may reassign boats to other Classes to equalise the Classes and may add classes as required without amending the Notice-of-Race.  The organising authority may cancel any class if fewer than seven entries have been received by the closing date.  In this event, boats that have entered will have the option of transferring to another class (if eligible) or having their entry fee refunded.  The Race Committee’s decision shall be final and not be subject to requests for redress.  This alters RRS 62.1(a)
4.11 All boats shall have a minimum of three crew.  The majority of the crew shall be a minimum age of 18 years at the start of the regatta.
4.12 Further information on the type of racing offered in the above classes can be found under the “Race Classes” tab on the event website.

5. Safety

5.1 The Special Regulations of Australian Sailing Part 1 for Category 5 races shall apply.
5.3 The race committee may consider other AS Special Regulations Categories for some One Design Classes to comply with Class Rules.

6. Registration

All boats are required to complete Registration at the Regatta Office, Hamilton Island Yacht Club, between 1400-1700 hrs on Friday 14th August or between 1000-1630 hrs Saturday 15th August 2026.

7. Schedule of Events

The Race Committee may make changes to this schedule at any time.

8. Entries

8.1 Entries to be made electronically through the event web site no later than 2359hrs 3rd August 2026.  Entries lodged after 3rd August 2026 may be accepted at the discretion of the Organising Authority.  Early Bird entries will open on 
8.2    To be considered an entry in the event, a boat shall complete all registration requirements and pay all fees 
(a) Fees

• Entry Fees are two types, Standard Fee and Early Bird Fee
• Early Bird fee which will be the Standard Fee discounted by 10% and will apply to entries paid in full by 2359hrs on December 31st, 2025
• Standard fee will apply to entries paid in full, from 0000hrs 1st January 2026 until 2359hrs 3rd August 2026 
   

(b) Boats shall provide a current AS Special Regulations Compliance Form for at least Category 5 (may be Cat 1 to 4). (c) Boats racing under the IRC Rule shall submit a Crew List Declaration, detailing the crew on board for the duration of the regatta (AS prescription to IRC Rules 11.1 and 11.3). 8.2 The fleet for Hamilton Island Race Week 2026 will be capped depending on berthage availability and any other relevant restrictions at the time. Entrants are reminded to be prompt in completing an entry to avoid disappointment.

8.3 Requests for entry cancellation and entry fee refund will be processed if the request is received by the OA up to three (3) weeks prior to the first race. The entry fee less a $100 administration will be refunded. Thereafter, refunds will be made only in exceptional circumstances. If the event is abandoned or cancelled due to Government COVID restrictions, entry fees will be refunded in full.

9. Sailing Instructions

It is the intention to have the Sailing Instructions available on the event web site from Monday 10th August 2026. Printed copies will be provided to all boats on registration at the Regatta Office.

10. Scoring System

The scoring system will be the Low Point System, RRS Appendix A except if there are five or less races sailed for a class or division then all races will count.  One race will constitute a series.

11.    PENNANTS, BOOM STICKERS, HULL DECALS & IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS
11.1    Backstay flags, sponsors flags, boom stickers and hull decals may be provided by the organising authority or event sponsors. If provided, flags shall be flown from the backstay, or conspicuously near the stern, at all times whilst racing, boom stickers shall be attached to the boom and hull decals shall be attached to the topsides approximately one metre from the bow. Only the Race Committee may protest for an alleged breach of this rule. This changes RRS 60.1.
11.2    Boats that do not have sail numbers or have sails with conflicting sail numbers, shall display a bow number, which will be provided. The bow number shall be located on both sides of the hull forward of any sponsors decals. This changes RRS 77.

12. Conditions of Entry

12.1 By lodging an entry, the owner/charterer agrees to all the rules and conditions of the races. 

12.2 By lodging an entry, the owner/charterer acknowledges the possibility of and accepts the risks associated with (a) the perils of the sea; (b) the seaworthiness or otherwise of any yacht participating in  Hamilton Island Race Week 2026; (c) the participation, including negligent participation, by all persons in Hamilton Island Race Week 2026, including participation as owner, charterer, crew person, official, race organiser or otherwise; (d) the defaults, acts and omissions, of Hamilton Island Yacht Club Inc. and its officers, and the crews of all boats. 

12.3 By lodging an entry, the owner/charterer acknowledges and accepts that Hamilton Island Yacht Club Inc. (a) does not and cannot control, diminish or affect the perils of the sea; (b) does not certify, or carry out inspections with respect to the seaworthiness or suitability to race of any yacht; (c) is not in a position to provide advice, assistance or support to boats and crews during the course of a race. 

12.4 By lodging an entry, the owner/charterer agrees that (a) he/she will ensure that the entered yacht is covered by suitable legal liability insurance of at least AU$10,000,000 (or foreign currency equivalent), valid for racing, and current for the duration of Hamilton Island Race Week 2026; (b) notwithstanding the above insurance requirement. All vessels are required to provide a copy of their insurance cover to the Marina office prior to the vessel’s arrival into Hamilton Island Marina. 

12.5 By lodging an entry, the owner/charterer agrees that: (a) it is a fundamental condition of entry that he/she releases, holds harmless and indemnifies Hamilton Island Yacht Club Inc., its office bearers, servants, agents and members and the sponsors of Hamilton Island Race Week 2026 from all liability any of those persons has to the owner/charterer or any crew member on the owner/charterer's yacht, or to any person claiming through or under any such person arising from loss or damage howsoever caused, including negligent act or omission, arising out of or relating to: (i) participation by the owner/charterer's yacht or any other yacht in a race; (ii) the conduct or course of the race in any respect including, without limitation, any act or omission (whether reasonably foreseeable or not) causing or relating to loss of or damage to any yacht or the death or injury of any person; or (iii) any of the matters referred to in the paragraphs above; (b) participation by the yacht and by the crew in Hamilton Island Race Week 2026 is agreed by Hamilton Island Yacht Club Inc. on the basis that participation is entirely at the risk of the owner/charterer and each member of the crew on the owner/charterer's yacht; (c) the owner/charterer will provide each crew member or proposed crew member with a copy of the Entry Form including these Conditions of Entry. 

12.6 By lodging an entry, the owner/charterer gives the right and permission for any photographs and/or video footage of the boat and crew to be published in any media for any editorial, publicity or advertising purposes. 

12.7 Yacht owners, skippers and crew should be aware that there may be uncharted obstacles under the waters on which races are held. Such uncharted obstacles include reefs, bomboras and rocks which could be a danger to yachts and crews. Hamilton Island Yacht Club Inc. accepts no responsibility for any damage to or loss of any yacht or for injury to or death of any crew person which may occur as a result of a collision with any underwater obstacle. All participants compete in races at their own risk
  3.1    All those taking part in these races do so at their own risk and responsibility. Neither Hamilton Island Yacht Club Inc. nor any other club or company connected with the organising of these races is responsible for the seaworthiness of a boat whose entry is accepted, nor for the sufficiency or adequacy of its equipment. Owners shall accept full responsibility for the seaworthiness and safe navigation of their boats and competence of their crews.
  3.2     Boat owners, skippers and crew should be aware that there may be uncharted obstacles under the waters on which races are held. Such uncharted obstacles include reefs, bomboras and rocks which could be a danger to boats and crews. Hamilton Island Yacht Club Inc. accepts no responsibility for any damage to or loss of any boat or for injury to, or death of, any crew person which may occur as a result of a collision with any underwater obstacle. All boats compete in races at their own risk.
  3.3    Attention is drawn to Fundamental Rule 3, which states “The responsibility for a boat’s decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone”.
 

13. Prizes and Trophies

Trophies will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place overall in each Class.  
Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd on corrected time in each race day for each Class or 1st, 2nd and 3rd for scratch classes.  If there are multiple races held for a Division or Class, the day’s totalled race scores will determine the winners.
Daily prizes will be presented as soon as practicable after racing each day.
Trophies and Prizes for the overall point score in each class will be presented at a ceremony on the evening of Saturday 22nd August 2026.

14. Internet Site

The event web site for Hamilton Island Race Week 2026 is located at www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au and information regarding the event may be obtained from this site. Entrants are advised to check the site periodically to keep up to date with the latest information. 

15. Mooring Arrangement & Support Facilities

Mooring Arrangement & Support Facilities
Moorings for competing boats in the marina at Hamilton Island will be available for the period 1100 hrs Thursday 13th August to 1000 hrs Monday 24th August at no charge. It is a condition of entry that boats must moor as directed by Marina Management. Due to depth restrictions, deeper keeled yachts may be required to raft up and some boats may be required to moor in Dent Passage during low tides. There is no marina availability for boats that are not participating in racing.

All vessels are required to provide a copy of their insurance cover to the Marina office prior to arrival at Hamilton Island Marina.
Early Arrival or Extended Stays:
Boats wishing to arrive before 13th August and/or leave after 24th August should contact the Marina Office on 07 4946 8353 to book a berth. 
It is strongly recommended to do this as early as possible, as marina demand before and after Race Week is exceptionally high during peak season, and availability cannot be guaranteed.
For more details, visit: Hamilton Island Marina Berthing Bookings.

16. Yachts arriving by Road 

16.1 Keel Yachts Arriving by Road
If your yacht is being transported to Hamilton Island Race Week by truck, you can lift, step the keel, and step the mast either at Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach.

Lifting at Airlie Beach

• Hawkes Boatyard in Airlie Beach offers a travel lift and can assist with preparation. They are located at Coral Sea Marina and can be contacted at:
• Phone: 07 4946 6700
• Website: hawkesboatyard.com

From Airlie Beach, it is approximately a 16-nautical-mile sail to Hamilton Island.

Direct Transport to Hamilton Island

• Prior arrangements must be made to transport the truck from Shute Harbour via the Hamilton Island barge (see booking details below).
• The Hamilton Island Boatyard offers a travel lift, jib crane and Franna crane - enquiries can be directed to:
• Phone: 07 4946 8353
• Email: marina@hamiltonisland.com.au
• VHF: Channel 68
• Marine trades available on the island include mechanical, electrical, refrigeration, and shipwright services. Contractor details are available through the marina office or online: Hamilton Island Marina Services.

Fees apply for Hamilton Island Boatyard Services. Refer to the fee schedule below.

16.2 Trailable Yachts Arriving by Road
If you are towing your boat to Hamilton Island Race Week, you can launch at Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island. 

• To launch at Hamilton Island, arrangements must be made for the transport of the boat and trailer from Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island via barge.
• Cars cannot stay on Hamilton Island and should be parked at the Shute Harbour Council Carpark.
• Alternatively, there are boat ramps with trailer parking at Cannonvale (VMR Ramp), Coral Sea Marina, Port of Airlie and Shute Harbour.
• Fees apply for Hamilton Island Boatyard Services. Refer to the fee schedule below.

16.3 Containerised Boats
For boats being transported in a container – please note the following:

• Space in the Boatyard is limited, and containers cannot remain in the yard during Race Week.
• The semi-trailer transporting the container must remain on the island for the duration of Race Week.
• Once unpacked, containers and semi-trailers will be stored at the southern end of the island.
• Transport operators must coordinate with the barge booking team to ensure appropriate hitch connections for the island trucks.
• A representative must be on-site for unpacking and repacking containers. 
• Fees apply for Hamilton Island Boatyard Services. Refer to the fee schedule below.

Fees for Hamilton Island Boatyard Services:

Service/Support Vehicles

A limited number of service/support vehicles or trailers can be accommodated on the island. Arrangements must be made for transport via barge.

• Vans - a representative must be present to drive the vehicle on and off the barge. 
• Trailers will be towed by island vehicles and cars/utes must remain at Shute Harbour.
• Vehicles will be parked at the southern break wall or the Boatyard (if space permits)
• A parking fee of $20 per day applies for support vehicles/trailers. Vehicles must not be driven elsewhere on the island.

Barge Booking Details

All barge transport must be booked in advance due to high demand. Submit your booking request here:

Barge Booking Request

The following tradesmen and facilities will be available during the series should they be required: Sailmaker - Rigger & chandler - Diesel engineer - Shipwright - Slipping facilities - Storage areas for cruising equipment - Supermarket, Bakery, Deli, etc. - Laundromat - Post Office - 24-hour medical service - All resort facilities, buggy hire, etc. 

For Further Details

Contact the Regatta Director: Denis Thompson
Phone: 0417 686 640 or
Email: info@hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au