What’s happening?
Hamilton Island Race Week has passed the 100-boat milestone ahead of schedule as it builds toward its 41st edition from 15 to 22 August 2026.
The 100th entry is Maritimo 100, a 100-foot Oyster 100 entered in the Non-Spinnaker Division. Her early commitment places her among the largest yachts currently planning to race.
Entries for 2026 are tracking ahead of recent years, pointing to strong class depth across the fleet.
Race Director Denis Thompson said the early numbers reflect the appeal of the Whitsundays and the event’s structure.
“Hamilton Island Race Week is built on the principle that all boats are welcome and that each boat races in a division that suits it,” Thompson said.
“When the divisions are right, the racing is better. Crews know exactly who they are up against, and that creates close, hard-fought competition right across the fleet.
“It’s competitive on the water, but the location is a big part of the appeal,” he said. “Starts in and around Dent Passage, racing through the Whitsunday Islands, and finishing each day in such a remarkable sailing destination is why so many crews lock it into their calendar early. There are very few regattas that offer this combination.”
Why it matters
Reaching 100 entries this early sets the tone for the event.
It suggests strong fleet numbers across divisions and healthy competition on the water.
The balance of passage races and shorter courses keeps racing varied, while winter conditions in the Whitsundays are typically moderate.
That mix has helped the regatta maintain high completion rates and consistent racing year after year.
Local impact
For Mackay sailors, the Whitsundays regatta sits just up the coast and remains a key winter target.
The GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race from 30 July to 4 August 2026 links directly into Race Week.
Boats competing in both events are eligible for extended complimentary berthing at Hamilton Island Marina from 9 to 24 August 2026, subject to availability. Berths must be booked by 1 June 2026.
Entries are open, with complimentary berthing from 13 to 24 August included in event entry, subject to availability.
For local crews and marine operators, August often means preparation, travel north and a chance to line up against some of the country’s strongest fleets.By the numbers
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100 boats have already confirmed entries for the 15 to 22 August 2026 regatta, well ahead of schedule, signalling strong fleet depth.
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Maritimo 100 is one of only two Oyster 100 yachts built, designed by Ed Dubois and constructed by Oyster Yachts in the United Kingdom.
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More than 200 yachts typically compete each year, with the regatta established in 1984 and now entering its 41st edition.
Zoom in
Maritimo 100 is owned by Bill Barry-Cotter and continues a long tradition of large cruising yachts competing at the event.
Skipper Peter Jones recorded his 28th start in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race when the event celebrated its 80th edition in December 2025.
“Hamilton Island Race Week remained a fixture on the Australian racing calendar,” Jones said.
“The sailing is varied and the conditions change across the week,” he said. “You get a mix of passage racing and shorter courses, and the Whitsundays is an incredible place to race a boat. It’s an event worth planning a season around.”
Long-time entrant Zoe has also been part of the regatta for decades.
Zoom out
Hamilton Island Race Week is regarded as Australia’s premier offshore sailing regatta and has been a highlight of the national sailing calendar for more than four decades.
Staged in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, it attracts crews from across Australia and around the world.
What to look for next?
Exclusive Early Bird sailor accommodation offers are available for bookings made by 31 March 2026.
With entries already at 100 boats, attention will turn to final fleet numbers and confirmed division line-ups as race week approaches.
