In the wake of what many long-time Audi Hamilton Island Race Week participants declared to be “the best ever” regatta in its 31-year history, series organisers have already announced the dates for next year’s event.
Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2015 will be staged from August 15 to 22. And, bringing added impetus to what is already Australia’s premier offshore regatta is the news that Yachting Australia has advised that the 2015 IRC Australian Championship will be part of the event.
Interestingly, Hong Kong’s Karl Kwok, who is the current Audi IRC Australian champion, and who won the Grand Prix division at this year’s Race Week with his TP52 Team Beau Geste, has already declared, “I will be back.”
It was the same sentiment from 15-time Race Week veterans, John and Kim Clinton, who this year raced their Beneteau Oceanis 50, Holy Cow, in the cruising division. They too will be back for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2015.
“It’s a fantastic event that caters for everyone and every budget,” John said. “For us, as cruising people, it has become an annual reunion. It’s fabulous fun, and the island staff really look after us.”
Multihulls made their mark this year with more than 20 entries among the fleet of 182 yachts … and the regatta really impressed those competing: “Absolutely fantastic,” said William Dicker, owner of the Seawind 1000, Miz Behavin. “Everything about it was great – the racing, the combativeness of the competition and the dockside fun.”
Drew Wooler echoed his sentiments, saying, “I don’t think there’s a better regatta anywhere, both on and off the water”.
– Rob Mundle
