The annual Audi Hamilton Race Week took place 19 to 27 August, with plenty of high-octane action and a special visit from an America’s Cup star.
The week of on- and off-water fun took place at Hamilton Island, at the edge of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, amid the Whitsunday Islands.
Among the 195 yachts at this year’s event was the 40-metre, Dubois designed Janice of Wyoming, and at the end of the event the captain confirmed that the owners were very likely to return next year. Also, during the week a representative for a high-profile 62 metre ketch, and a sleek 36-metre sloop, advised Race Week organisers that both boats were looking to be at Hamilton Island next year for the racing and remarkable social scene.
This year the off-water action was piqued by the presence of the America’s Cup, the oldest trophy in the history of international sport, which marked its 160th anniversary on 22 August.
‘Without doubt the highlight this year was the presence of the America’s Cup, along with the Cup’s most recent winning skipper, Australian Jimmy Spithill,’ says Rob Mundle, Race Week promotions manager.
The America's Cup Race Management CEO and Regatta Director Iain Murray, and 30-year veteran America’s Cup administrator Tom Ehman (who delivered the trophy to Hamilton Island’s yacht club) were also there.
‘After spending just 48 hours on the island Ehman said he had never experienced a regatta like it,’ added Mundle.
Next year's event is scheduled for 17-25 August.