REGATTAS - Powered superyachts join in the fun at Hamilton Island
Following the inclusion of sailing superyachts at last year’s Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, regatta organisers are this year planning to include powered superyachts.
The Whitsundays’ Race Week from superyachts to sportboats is regarded as one of Australia’s most popular keelboat racing regattas, this year staged from August 19 to 27.
Organisers announced that following the successful introduction of a superyacht sailing division last year, a superyacht division for motoryachts will be an additional feature at this year’s Audi Hamilton Island Race Week. At the same time the sportboat category, which sees the SB3 class already committed, will be expanded to include Melges 32s and other designs.
Organisers said the competition of a superyacht division for motoryachts will be a significant step away from the “predicted log” type challenge that is usually the basis for a motoryacht event.
The novel format, which is currently being finalised, is said to test the skills of the crews both afloat and ashore. Out on the water they will be competing in areas away from the yacht racing.
“Our aim has always been to make Audi Hamilton Island Race Week something very special: a benchmark for yachting regattas on the world scene and one every competitor will enjoy,” said Hamilton Island’s chairman, Sandy Oatley.
“By expanding the sportboat division and including powered superyachts this year, we will be presenting an amazing range of marine competition across the week.
“At the same time it must be said that every entry, from the smallest sportboat and cruising yacht to the largest superyacht, will be equally important to us. We want everyone who is there to have a great time, while sailing on some of the best waters imaginable and to have great fun onshore,” he said.
The 40m sailing superyacht, Janice of Wyoming, which is currently in Auckland, has indicated it will be entering Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2011. The widely accepted definition of a superyacht is a vessel with an overall length of 24.38m (80ft) or greater.
Also, six months prior to the regatta, the first international entry has been received. New Zealand sailing legend Jim Farmer and co-owner Chris Meads plan to return with their impressive IRC52 racer, Georgia. At last year’s Race Week, Georgia was a member of the Kiwi team which removed the South Pacific Cup from Australian hands.
The Notice of Race, including entry form, is now posted on the regatta website at www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au
Photos: Lang Walker’s stunning new 58m superyacht, Kokomo, shares the Whitsundays with a female humpback whale and calf during Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2010. (Photo by Andrea Francolini/AUDI); Racing at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week.