There are nine days left to enter this year’s Airlie Beach Race week and already the 113 entries have surpassed the 104 starters the event attracted last year.
A record 126 boats hit the water for the 25th anniversary in 2014, and organisers from the Whitsunday Sailing Club are confident they will receive close to that number for the event now in its 27th year.
Airlie Beach Race Week continues to attract a legion of fans; sailors, their families and friends, who enjoy both the on water and off water offerings.
Off the water, everyone will be spoilt for choice with free entertainment from top bands each night, a fun run, a long lunch and so much more.
And it could not be easier for those berthed at Abell Point Marina, with free shuttle buses running every 15 minutes between the marina and the Sailing Club.
What’s on:
Race Week Long, Late Lunch on the Lawn – Saturday, August 13, 2pm til late.
Enjoy a six-course Italian inspired menu, matched with six sumptuous wines from Samuel Smith and Sons.
Race Week Outrigger Challenge – Saturday, August 13, 4.30-6pm.
Witness the flaming torches and pounding drums setting the pace for the Outrigger Challenge. Staged by Outrigger Whitsunday, six crews will compete in a round robin event starting at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.
Paddlers will complete circuits between the Sailing Club foreshore and Abell Point Marina, culminating in a finish on the beach at the Sailing Club grounds.
Race Week Wine Show – Sunday, August 13, 2-6pm.
Watching the racing can be thirsty work so organisers decided to get a range of wine companies to present their premium brands for your tasting pleasure.
Race Week Family Fun Run – Sunday, August 14, 4.30-6.30pm.
Staged by the Airlie Beach Running Club and proudly supported by WSC, this inaugural event will see runners dressed up in Rio Carnival Olympics fancy dress.
Food stalls at The Airlie Beach Race Week Festival HQ.
Open every evening from 5pm at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, food stalls will offer foods to please. Come and feast on Hungry Possum Wood Fired Pizzas, the Oyster Girls fresh oysters and the Brazilian Food Guys sumptuous offerings.
Live entertainment:
There is a cracking line-up of live entertainment every evening at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, including solo artists, bands and parties.