Day 6 of the Jeanneau Yachts and 74 Islands Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) 2026 saw competitors facing light air conditions, a stark contrast to the previous windy days. The fleet waited until 12.30pm for the breeze to fill in before embarking on a race around Pioneer Bay under clear skies.
Early on, all boats were eager to race as the 38th running of the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s regatta commenced. With a drop coming into play for those who had completed six races, the standings were set to change in the two Rating Passage divisions and Off the Beach multihulls.
Despite the anticipation, the breeze was slow to arrive. It wasn’t until 12.30pm that racing commenced, with both whales and sharks spotted in Pioneer Bay throughout the day. The picturesque setting attracted numerous spectators, including tourists flocking to Airlie Beach, known for its stunning beauty.
In the Multihull Passage, Bill Kennedy’s Freedom Express from NSW maintained a lead coming into the day, holding a two-point advantage over Ocean Blue and Resolute II, who were tied for second. Ocean Blue managed to win today’s race, edging closer to the overall leader, Freedom Express, who finished third. The final results will be determined tomorrow.
Tim McCall’s Barracuda held a three-point lead in Performance Racing over Iyas Shaheen’s Smooth Criminal. However, Smooth Criminal won today’s race, taking the lead on countback with one race remaining.
In Division 1 of the Rating divisions, Team Hollywood continued its strong performance. Ray Roberts’ Botin 40 won one of the two races today, but Grant Pocklington’s Anarchy also showed strength, securing a victory in Race 5. Roberts holds a five-point advantage overall.
Paul Heyes’ Road Runner returned to the top in Division 2 with two wins, establishing a three-point lead over Ikon.
In Performance Cruising, David Boekemann’s Bombolo won Division 1, lifting Salt into the overall lead. In Division 2, Paul King’s Nautilass secured a win, closely followed by La Troisieme Mitemps, with Charles Wallis leading overall.
Wayne McNee’s Celebrity topped Division 3, with Geoff Adams’ Rampallion in second. Despite usually struggling in light air, McNee’s crew excelled today, demonstrating effective sailing techniques.
In Off the Beach Multihulls, Terry Bailey from New Zealand achieved two wins in a light breeze, granting him the overall lead on countback against Stuart House’s The Bandicoot.
Rob Douglass’ Dollop dominated the VX One division, winning both races today and establishing a four-point lead over Scott Day’s Great Xcape.
As the final day of racing approaches, the new champions will be crowned in the evening, with races set to commence at 10am, weather permitting.
For all information, including entries, head to: http://www.abrw.com.au
Di Pearson/ABRW media
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