The trade winds arrived in force for the first day of racing at Hamilton Island Race Week 2026, with over 25 knots of breeze and bumpy conditions giving sailors a serious workout in the Around the Islands Race.
Hamilton Island Race Week 2026 © Salty Dingo 2026
The 22-boat Trailer Yacht fleet bravely took on the fresh trades close to Hamilton Island, a tough assignment for some of the smallest boats in the fleet.
+GST skipper Steve Girdis took the honours in the Trailer Yacht class with a family crew aboard. His crew included brother Michael, son Jordy, nephew Alex and his best mate Waldo.
“We had a fantastic day. It was so much fun, and what made it especially special was having four Girdises on board, plus one honorary family member,” Girdis said.
“We pulled it all together, and thankfully the course took us inshore when we were going upwind. It was brilliant fun and a great first day.”
Further north, racing around Lindeman Island in the IRC Rating Division 1, Mark Spring and his young crew fought back from a difficult start to take the opening-day win.
Hamilton Island Race Week 2026 © Salty Dingo 2026
Hamilton Island Race Week 2026 © Salty Dingo 2026
“We’re pretty happy. We’re absolutely pumped,” Spring said.
“We didn’t have a great start, but with a boat full of future rock stars, everyone locked in and got the job done.
“Six members of the team are under 25, and it is such a pleasure to watch them race.”
Viva La Vida, the fleet’s only US entry, took the honours in the Hamilton Island Blue Division, while John Whitbread’s Kerb won the hotly contested Hamilton Island Pink Division.
Hamilton Island Race Director Denis Thompson said the first day had delivered the sort of conditions that make for memorable racing in the Whitsundays.
“We had a lovely trade wind of 20 to 25 knots. The rain cleared, the sun came out and it made for absolutely great sailing,” he said.
“Current is a big part of sailing here. You have to work the tides and make sure you are in the right place when they change.
“The race committee looks for courses that allow the fleet to carry the tide for as much of the race as possible or at least give them some assistance on the final leg home.
“We want to get everyone home smiling and in time for a beer.”
Hamilton Island Race Week 2026 © Salty Dingo 2026
Hamilton Island Race Week 2026 © Salty Dingo 2026
Racing continues tomorrow.
Now in its 41st edition, Hamilton Island Race Week, presented by American Express, brings together one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most diverse sailing fleets, from maxis, TP52s and multihulls to cruising yachts, sports boats and Trailable yachts.
Results are available daily HERE
All Race Week details are available HERE.
Event details
Racing runs from Sunday 16 August to Saturday 22 August. Boats holding a secondary IRC certificate must declare which certificate will be used by 2359 on 11 August, and divisional lists will be published on the event website by 15 August.
The Prix d’Elegance will be held before racing on Thursday 20 August, with awards for Best Presented Yacht and Crew and Best Fun-Themed Yacht and Crew. Consistent with Hamilton Island’s commitment to sustainability, the use of balloons is not permitted for this event.
Crew and Marine Mammal Safety
Race Week takes place during the humpback whale season, when whales migrate to the Whitsundays to breed and calve. The region was recognised as a Whale Heritage Area in 2024 and additional whale protection rules apply. All competitors, support vessels, media boats, spectator vessels and recreational boaters must comply with all applicable Commonwealth and Queensland laws and regulations relating to marine mammals. Details are available at hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au/on-water-events/whales.
About Hamilton Island Race Week
Hamilton Island Race Week 2026 will be held from 15–22 August 2026.
Hamilton Island Race Week is Australia’s premier offshore sailing regatta and has been a highlight of the national sailing calendar for more than four decades.
Attracting more than 200 yachts and crews from across Australia and around the world, the regatta was established in 1984 and is renowned for its challenging racing, spectacular Whitsundays setting and vibrant week-long program of onshore events, dining and celebrations in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
About Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is Australia’s tropical island in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, offering direct flights from major east coast cities in under 2.5 hours from door to the reef. The island features a wide range of accommodation, from family-friendly apartments to luxurious stays at private retreat qualia and new boutique hotel The Sundays. Guests can enjoy two spas, a golf course, over 20 restaurants and bars, and more than 60 activities and experiences, including tours to world-famous Whitehaven Beach and the iconic Heart Reef.
The island also boasts a year-round calendar of world-class events. Highlights include the Hamilton Island Endurance Series – featuring the Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon (3 May 2026), the Great Whitehaven Beach Run (24 May 2026), and the Hamilton Island Triathlon and Ocean Swim (21-22 November 2026), as well as Pas de Deux in Paradise, a bi-annual collaboration with The Australian Ballet at Pebble Beach, qualia (15-17 and 17-19 May 2026). There’s always something exciting to look forward to on Hamilton Island.
