Less than three months out from the Jeanneau and 74 Islands Airlie Beach Race Week, entries are rolling in from internationals, interstaters, and locals, alongside a few rookies for the 38th running of the regatta, scheduled for 6-13 August.
The Whitsunday Sailing Club’s annual event has attracted two entries from New Zealand. Sharon Ferris-Choat, a Canadian/Kiwi Olympian, will debut her modified Class 40 yacht, Vixen Racing, at the event. “We haven’t done Airlie Beach Race Week before. It’s been on the bucket list for a while,” she expressed, excited to participate.
Ferris-Choat, representing the Bay of Islands Yacht Club, aims to create a pathway for newcomers to learn and gain confidence through her Coastal and Offshore Academy. “The idea is to encourage them to race and eventually buy their own boats,” she added. Currently, she is preparing for the Solo Tasman Race and plans to compete in major races out of Sydney until January, including the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast and Rolex Sydney Hobart.
The second Kiwi entrant is Brian Petersen, returning for a second year with his TP52, V5. Like Ferris-Choat, he participated in last year’s Sydney Hobart race but did not finish. He has been actively competing in races across Australia throughout 2025.
Goggles and the crew of Mister Magoo are also set to partake in the Trailable Yachts and Sports Boats series. They have been attending the event since 2004, save for two missed years due to COVID-19. “We’ve done it with the same guys since 2015 and we’re all over 50,” Goggles noted. Their consistent participation has fostered camaraderie, with many fond memories from past races.
Goggles relishes the competition, especially against crews from Victoria and NSW, and enjoys the challenging yet scenic long courses. He emphasised the importance of supporting the shoreside entertainment and events at WSC, noting how they contribute to the overall experience.
Phil Bennett, owner of the wooden yacht King Billy, is looking forward to his first Airlie Beach Race Week. He has gathered his main crew for the event and has received positive feedback from friends who have previously participated. He plans to arrive in advance to prepare for the races.
No matter the type of vessel, there is a class and division for everyone at the Jeanneau and 74 Islands Airlie Beach Race Week. Interested participants can enter and check the Notice of Race at www.abrw.com.au.
Di Pearson/ABRW media
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