Hamilton Island Race Week to showcase Olympic class sailing
by Lisa Ratcliff 26 Jun 18:49 NZST
16-23 August 2025
HIRW 2023 fleet in fresh trade winds © Salty Dingo
Hamilton Island Race Week's 40th anniversary celebrations are hotting up, with more than 160 entries confirmed for the annual sailing regatta to be contested from 16-23 August in the glorious Whitsunday Islands.
This year, Race Week is also introducing Olympic class match racing as an exhibition series, with the Australian and New Zealand men's 49er and women's 49erFX teams competing in a Trans-Tasman clash from 17-19 August. The series, affectionately dubbed the 'Wetisloe Cup', will see a total of 13 skiff teams representing both sides of the Tasman battle it out.
Officially the Palm Beach Motor Yachts Trans-Tasman 49er Series, racing will take place daily from 4pm off the iconic Hamilton Island Yacht Club at the completion of the main fleet's scheduled race, allowing those skippers, crews and island spectators to enjoy a thrilling front-row seat.
"As the Whitsundays prepares to host sailing at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, we're delighted to showcase Olympic class sailors in action," said Nick Dowling, CEO of Hamilton Island. "We hope this series inspires more people to tune in to the incredible sport of high-performance sailing."
Iain Brambell, High Performance Director at Australian Sailing, echoed the sentiment: "The Australian Sailing Team is thrilled to rejoin forces with Hamilton Island for this fantastic event for our skiff sailors at one of the world's most iconic sailing locations. This event also serves as a tremendous opportunity to test out the waters and conditions of one of the potential locations for the Brisbane 2032 sailing venue".
The Australian team of seven skiff pairs includes Olympians Evie Haseldine in the 49erFX and Shaun Connor in the 49er, as well as Women's America's Cup sailors Laura Harding and Annie Wilmot, and Youth America's Cup sailors Max Paul and Jack Ferguson.
"The Australian team has a long and proud history with Hamilton Island, and to be immersed in Race Week, racing against a strong New Zealand contingent and showcasing our skills in front of a passionate sailing crowd, is the perfect blend of high-performance preparation and inspiration," Brambell added.
Ian Stewart, High Performance Director at Yachting New Zealand, responded: "This is a fantastic initiative that brings together the strength and depth of the Australian and New Zealand 49er fleets.
A Trans-Tasman collaboration has been in discussion for some time. Hamilton Island is an exceptional place to sail, and this event adds real momentum as we look toward Brisbane 2032".
A silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for New?Zealand's top 49er crew of Isaac McHardie and William McKenzie is a career highlight. The pair is successfully blending youth world titles and consistent podiums across their 49er campaign and will join their Kiwi teammates at Hamilton Island in August.
In addition, on Saturday 16 August, Race Week will also hold a 'Speed and Tricks' wingfoil afternoon in Dent Passage, promising an action-packed outing for competitors to vie for prizes in challenges like the fastest run, longest air, and highest jump.
Four decades of yachting and Hamilton Island history will be exhibited at the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, including trophies from the very first event in 1984. Race merchandise featuring the original Notice of Race artwork will be available at Hamilton Island Designs.
With a mix of elite competition and innovative new formats, Race Week 2025 is set to deliver for seasoned sailors, first-time boat owners, and their families and friends - as well as those who prefer the less windswept onshore program.
Tickets for the beachfront parties, superyacht cruises, wine masterclasses and long lunches curated by some of Australia's most celebrated chefs are available for purchase on the Hamilton Island Race Week website at www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au/event-tickets
Presented for the first time by American Express, the 2025 regatta caters to a broad spectrum of sailing programs and budgets. The fleet is split into multiple racing divisions and their daily course is posted each morning, factoring in the tide and wind forecast.
As part of the milestone Race Week, organisers have developed a way to share the experience - Refer a Boat and Share the Rewards. For every new boat a registered entrant refers, both receive a $500 IGA Hamilton Island voucher - perfect for stocking the galley, keeping the esky full or fuelling the team. Simply be registered or register now for Race Week 2025, refer a friend's boat and once they register, email with both boat names and skipper details.
All Race Week details are available on the website.
2024 Hamilton Island Race Week video highlights here.
More history on Hamilton Island Race Week here.