The final countdown is on to Hamilton Island Race Week 2026, presented by American Express, with crews preparing to converge on the Whitsundays for the 41st edition of Australia’s premier offshore sailing regatta.
The fleet currently stands at 194 entries, up from 145 boats in 2025, with sailors travelling from across Australia and overseas for a week of racing through the turquoise waters of the Whitsunday Islands.
Among those returning is Australian offshore sailor Stacey Jackson, who has switched to Touche 42 after Indigo II suffered rudder damage during the recent GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race.
“I’ve joined Touche 42 at the last minute. I’ve raced on the boat before, when she was Not a Diamond, but it’s a new team for me,” Jackson said.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone and getting out there in what should be a very competitive Super 40 Plus class.”
Jackson first competed at Hamilton Island Race Week in the early 2000s and believes this year will be her 15th appearance at the regatta.
“I’ve genuinely lost count. Hamilton Island Race Week is so different to the tough offshore races, and that’s one of the reasons I love it,” Jackson said.
“You’re out there having a great day sailing in an amazing part of the world, but there are still plenty of challenges. You’ve got the navigation, the tides and the local breezes.”
Jackson arrives at Hamilton Island after a significant year. She sailed with Yacht Club de Monaco’s winning Admiral’s Cup team aboard Jolt, then joined the crew of The Famous Project CIC, which in January set the women’s reference time for the Jules Verne Trophy course. The voyage made Jackson the fastest Australian, male or female, to complete a non-stop circumnavigation.
“Winning the Admiral’s Cup and then adding the Jules Verne record made for a pretty incredible year of sailing,” Jackson said.
“I’m incredibly proud to have been part of that team of eight women. To become the first all-female crew to sail non-stop and unassisted around the world, and to do it in 57 days, 21 hours and 20 minutes, was pretty special.”
Hamilton Island Race Director Denis Thompson said it was a good outcome for the regatta that Jackson had found another boat.
“Stacey is one of Australia’s most accomplished offshore sailors, so it is terrific that she has been able to find another opportunity to compete at Race Week following the disappointment for Indigo II,” Thompson said.
“She also lands in Super 40 Plus, which has been shaping up as one to watch. Ten boats are entered across a real spread of designs, so that division is going to be hard fought.”
Across the wider Race Week fleet, entries have continued to build.
First Light (Peter White) and Gusto (Lee Hawksley) have joined Highly Sprung, Quest and Virago in the TP52 Class.
Four Sonata 26s will make the design’s first appearance at Race Week, with Victoria’s Serenata, Tempo and Jacana joining South Australia’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere in the Trailable Yachts Class.
Victoria has recorded the largest increase in participation, sending 40 boats compared with 25 last year. New South Wales remains the largest contingent with 73 entries, ahead of Queensland’s 57.
US sailors Barry and Susie Parkin will also make their Race Week debut aboard the Oyster 825 Viva La Vida. The pair are currently competing in the Oyster World Rally.
Thompson said the range of classes entered was setting up a strong week on the water.
“The growth of the TP52 division to five boats is another highlight. They’re incredibly competitive yachts and that class should produce some of the closest racing of the week,” he said.
“With entries across a diverse range of classes, we’re looking forward to welcoming competitors from around Australia and overseas for another outstanding Hamilton Island Race Week.”
Race Week officially begins on Saturday 15 August with the Nautilus Marine Insurance Skippers’ Welcome at Hamilton Island Yacht Club.
Nautilus Marine Insurance Chief Executive Officer Lyndon Turner said: “Hamilton Island Race Week is one of the highlights of the Australian sailing calendar, and we’re proud to have supported the event since 2022.
“The Nautilus Marine Insurance Skippers’ Welcome brings the sailing community together before racing begins and sets the tone for the competition and celebrations ahead.”
Hamilton Island Race Week officially begins on Saturday 15 August, with racing scheduled from Sunday 16 August to Saturday 22 August.
Entries: www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au
Onshore program and spectator tickets: www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au/event-tickets
qualia Race Week Residency Packages: https://www.qualia.com.au/events/race-week
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