Vision Surveys Airlie Beach Race Week 2014 has made history after breaking the record number of entries, with more expected to come in this week.
In the 25th anniversary year, the event has attracted 124 boats so far with entries closing this Friday. The original record was 123 yachts in the 2011 race week.
The record breaking registration was Elena Nova, skippered by Craig Neil, who entered the prestigious IRC Racing division.
Airlie Beach Race Week Event Chairman Jim Hayes said it is a huge coup to break the record number of entries in the anniversary year. “This year’s regatta is already significant for many reasons and this is the icing on the cake for the host Whitsunday Sailing Club and our competitors,” Mr Hayes said. “We are happy to see this year’s event will go down in history.”
The event is also the farewell regatta for Storm 2, a stalwart of the regatta for the last ten years and perennial Cruising Division line honours star.
Owner and founder of Airlie Beach Race Week, Don Algie, has sold his 66-foot beauty to New Zealand with the boat departing Airlie Beach two days after the end of Race Week.
With entries open for a few more days, Mr Hayes encourages those who haven’t entered, to get in and register for the hallmark event.
“Or if you’re not competing on the water, you can join us at the Whitsunday Sailing Club throughout the week and just enjoy the atmosphere,” he said.
Airlie Beach Race Week is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland as part of a dynamic calendar of events throughout the state.
Entries close Friday, August 1.
– Heidi Walton
