Offshore highlights:
• Spectators and ‘yachties’ flock to Hamilton Island each August for action-packed offshore racing with categories for top-class racers (‘Grand Prix), an IRC Passage class for modern fast-cruising yachts, performance racing and sports boat classes. There are also cruising, corporate, bareboat and non-spinnaker divisions.
• The aquatic attractions are not only limited to the racing- last year’s event was graced by the breathtaking sight of a breaching humpback whale:(http://mcaf.ee/4b6af)

Onshore highlights:
• Designed by renowned Australian architect, Walter Barda, alongside famed yachtsman Iain Murray, Hamilton Island Yacht Club is the ideal base for this spectacular regatta. The complex is home to first-class dining, wellness and pool facilities along with a luxury 35-villa residential development.
• Master classes and intimate ‘chefs table’ dinners take place throughout the week with celebrated Australian chefs such as ‘friend to the stars’ Matt Moran.
• High society highlights include the Moet & Chandon lunch, and cocktails and canapés at Hamilton Island’s exclusive qualia.
• Fashion parades and exclusive trunk shows feature the likes of fashion designer Collette Dinnegan who regularly launches her “Cruise” collection at this time ensuring fashionistas flock to Race Week.
• Tennis and golf clinics are available with experts to bring performances up to par.

Famous faces:
• With a growing reputation for flair and glamour, Race Week is fast becoming THE unmissable social affair, regularly graced by well-known faces and style icons.
• Dannii Minogue chose the 2010 event to make her first public appearance since the birth of son, Ethan.

Background details:
In contrast to an event that hosted 93 yachts in 1984 on an island under early construction, 200 boats now race from the start-line. Luxury German carmaker Audi is the event’s primary sponsor which it sees as the highlight of its annual programme - the final race in the prestigious four-part Audi IRC Australian Championship series.

Racing is in Hamilton Island’s ‘blood’:
• The Oatley family, who own Hamilton Island, have won the Sydney to Hobart race for five consecutive years (2006-2010) in their yacht Wild Oats XI
• Hamilton Island’s CEO, Glenn Bourke, was named Australian Yachtsman of the Year twice; has won seven World Championships and was Laser World Champion three times (1988, 1989 and 1990)

Hamilton Island is located off the Queensland coast of Australia, within the Whitsunday Islands and at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Here visitors can experience everything that is great about Australia – natural landscapes, calm turquoise waters, secluded beaches, beautiful weather, fascinating coral reefs, diverse flora and fauna.

Hamilton Island offers a wide range of accommodation options, restaurants, bars, pools and shops, not to mention over 60 activities and all within a short direct flight from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Cairns. There are also great connections from other Australian cities.