Prix d'Elegance
How to participate in the Prix d'Elegance at Hamilton Island Race Week 2026
Two competing yachts at Hamilton Island Race Week 2026 will each be going home with an impressive trophy without having started in a race on the day.
As in previous years, the same two categories will apply for the Prix d’ Elegance:
- The Best Presented Yacht and Crew (yacht in first-class trim and crew in matching uniforms)
- The Best Fun-Themed Yacht and Crew (let your imagination run wild)
The trophies will go to the crews that win their chosen category in the competition, which will be staged before the start of racing on Thursday 20 August 2026.
The parade course
On departing Hamilton Marina and entering Dent Passage turn immediately to starboard and cruise past the Flag Deck of Hamilton Island Yacht Club, as close as possible...without running around.
A guide
Ingenuity and creative genius are the two elements that always set the winners apart in this competition
The best-presented yacht
The yacht perfectly presented, and the crew in matching uniforms lining the deck etc. can be subtly themed
Best-themed yacht
We’ve had political satire, tropical island settings, bubble baths and even Michael Jackson as themes for this section.
Prix d'Elegance Entrants
As part of Hamilton Island's commitment to protecting the Great Barrier Reef and its wildlife, we kindly ask all Prix d'Elegance entrants not to use balloons as part of their boat decorations.
Once released or lost overboard, balloons and their ribbons can travel long distances and pose a serious threat to marine life, particularly turtles, seabirds and other wildlife that may mistake them for food or become entangled in them.
We encourage competitors to get creative with reusable, recyclable and environmentally responsible decorations that help make the Prix d'Elegance spectacular while protecting the beautiful environment that makes Hamilton Island Race Week so special.
Thank you for helping us keep our island and surrounding waters clean and safe for future generations.