Competitors enjoyed ideal conditions for the finale of the Airlie Beach Race Week 2026, with a stable breeze of 25 knots and a clear sky enhancing the excitement. The Bay Race determined the overall standings, with whales sighted in Pioneer Bay adding a unique touch to the event.
The 38th edition of the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s regatta boasted beautiful weather throughout the week, despite one lighter day.
In Division 1, Ray Roberts and his team on Team Hollywood (NSW) showed exceptional skill, winning six out of seven races. Grant Pocklington‘s Anarchy secured second place despite retiring from the final race, while Malcolm Dean‘s TP52, Frantic, finished third overall. Close behind was the Kiwi TP52, V5, which missed the podium by just one point.
Roberts noted the importance of competitive racing, stating that participating in Airlie Beach is crucial for preparing for tougher competitions at Hamilton Island. He also praised the elevated standards of sailing at this regatta.
In Division 2, Paul Heyes‘ Road Runner claimed the series victory, finishing just ahead of Bruce McCraken’s Ikon. Despite Ikon winning the final race, Road Runner’s consistency throughout the week secured their overall win, with local sailors Garth Riley and Kate Leeson finishing third.
In Performance Racing, Tim McCall‘s Barracuda emerged victorious, while Hughie Lewis‘s Hartbreaker clinched third place after a challenging series.
Among the Multihull Racing divisions, Joel Berg‘s Hooligan won Division O by a narrow margin, defeating Paul Mitchell‘s Ullman Sails. In Division 1, Stuart Cox‘s Cut Snake triumphed over competitors, while Division 2 saw a tight contest between Terry Archer‘s G’Nome and Peter Hackett‘s Intrigue, with Intrigue ultimately winning the final race.
Performance Cruising saw Mal Robertson‘s Eureka II take the overall victory, while Division 2 featured local Charles Wallis‘ Reignition triumphing over Matt Doyle‘s La Troisieme Mitemps by two points.
In non-spinnaker divisions, Terrence Stevens‘ Matchless and Mark Strobel‘s Krystal both had strong performances, finishing first in their respective divisions.
The event concluded with the Boss Hog Trophy awarded to Ian and Annika Thomson for their exemplary sportsmanship and commitment to environmental initiatives, including a Clean Up Day during the regatta.
Event Chair Terry Archer thanked all competitors and volunteers, highlighting the importance of their contributions to the success of the race week. The organisers and volunteers received accolades for their efforts in ensuring smooth operations throughout the event.
For all information, including entries, head to: http://www.abrw.com.au
Di Pearson/ABRW media
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