Airlie Beach Race Week 2015’s onshore program is to receive a makeover, while the racing program will remain as sound as ever, according to Whitsunday Sailing Club Commodore, Bernie van’t Hof.
Van’t Hof says he is well aware the ‘Tropical Shirt’ regatta, as it has become known over the years, is in need of an overhaul if it is to attract a strong high-calibre entry it has enjoyed in the past.
“I feel last year’s onshore activities left a lot to be desired and therefore let competitors down in this area. We’re determined to make it much better this year, in line with our successful racing program,” Commodore van’t Hof said. “We will be making announcements as we put our plans in place over the coming weeks.”
The 26th edition of Airlie Beach Race Week, to be held from 7-14 August and will comprise six days of racing in the tropical Whitsundays with a lay day mid regatta, allowing competitors and their family and friends to enjoy all that the Whitsundays offer both on and off the water.
“We had so much fun at Airlie Beach last year. It’s such a nice place; it’s easy to get to, great racing, excellent race management and we love the mix of racing round the islands with a couple of windward/leewards thrown in,” says Tony Kirby, the definitive IRC Racing champion who claimed six of the seven races with his Ker 46, Patrice last year.
“I can’t say enough about the regatta, I think everyone enjoys Race Week,” ended Kirby, who won IRC Division 1 at the Sydney Harbour Regatta on the weekend.
Crowned the best Major Festival and Event at the 2014 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, prospective entrants for Airlie Beach Race Week are encouraged to start looking at accommodation options and airfare deals now.
Airlie Beach Race Week is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland in conjunction with its other major events throughout the state.
Details of Notice of Race and online entry will be announced shortly.
All information on the official site: www.abrw.com.au/. Further information on Whitsunday Sailing Club: www.whitsundaysailingclub.com.au/
By Di Pearson, ABRW media
