Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 | Whitsunday Festival Of Sailing

Lily Kerley

Updated Wed 18 Sep 2024

Get ready to set sail! The 36th Annual Airlie Beach Race Week hits the Whitsunday waters from August 8 to August 15, 2024.

Hosted by the Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 promises spectacular speed and tropical fun for locals, visitors and sailors alike! Enjoy the Whitsunday Festival of Sailing like a local with all of our tips and tricks, with info on everything, from how to see the race to Airlie Beach events and times. 

What is Airlie Beach Race Week?

So you’re heading to Airlie Beach for Race Week? Here’s what to expect during the Whitsunday Festival of Sailing.

Airlie Beach Race Week is made up of seven days of thrilling races across various categories, including monohulls, multihulls, and cruising yachts. Each day presents a unique nautical venture, with courses set against the stunning backdrop of the Whitsunday Islands. There are also plenty of vibrant onshore activities and events hosted by the Whitsunday Sailing Club!

Sailing Competition Schedule

Races will include round-the-buoys racing in Pioneer Bay, as well as passage races in Pioneer Bay and Whitsunday Passages.

Exact race schedules and courses will be published on the day based on weather conditions, so don’t forget to double-check before you jet off. Multiple races may be held on the same day, so you can catch more action. Please note that the above schedule is subject to change based on conditions.

Onshore Activities

Every year, the Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) hosts an array of onshore events perfect for spectators, families and locals to hang out! Featuring live music, food trucks, market stalls, presentations and local events, head down to the shore by the WSC and enjoy the vibes! Perfect for the whole family, come down for face painting, crafts and to watch the boats sail by for an easy arvo under the Airlie sunshine.

Where to watch Airlie Beach Race Week

Can you see Airlie Beach Race Week from the shore?

Yes, you can watch the Airlie Beach Race Week vessels from the shore, at Pioneer Bay which is visible from the Airlie Beach foreshore. Some of the best spots to watch the races from land are the Whitsunday Sailing Club and along the palm-lined Airlie Beach foreshore. However, the undeniably best way to see the vessels up close is on a vessel out at sea!

Best boats to see Airlie Beach Race Week from

Salty Yacht Charter

Head out aboard the intimate power yacht Salty for a personalised day of race week viewing! This trip is specifically designed for optimal Race Week viewing, so you can be assured you’re going to get the best view of your elected race! Hang onto your hat with front-row seats, complete with catering and a personalised itinerary.

Choose from...

• Airlie Beach Race Week Full Day Salty Charter

• Airlie Beach Race Week Half Day Salty Charter

Private Day Charters

Do Race Week differently with a Private Charter. From catamarans to powerboats, and superyachts to sailing vessels, choose your ideal boat from our wide selection of private charters. And the best bit, you can totally personalise your itinerary to chase your favourite vessels and watch your chosen races!

Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 News

Airlie Beach Race Week goes green in 2024!

Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 is the world’s first solar-powered regatta. Onshore activities will be powered by Mobile Power Trailers, making the sun the main energy source for mainland activities, and wind the main power source for off-shore activities!

Whitsunday Sailing Club announces new Regatta Director

Whitsunday Sailing Club welcomes Jenni Birdsall as the 2024 Regatta Director. As National President of the Cherub Association for 12 years and a regular volunteer for events like the Festival of Sails Geelong, SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week, the Women’s Regatta at Townsville and the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, we look forward to a jampacked Race Week with Jenni at the helm!

Airlie Beach Race Week vessel entrants surpass 100 for 2024

At the moment there are over 100 vessels entered for Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 from every state and territory in Australia! With previous winners returning to Airlie, first-time ABRW racers like a GC32, and an increase of multihull entrants to last year, it’s bound to be a nail-biter this year! 

Mark your calendars for August 8 to 15 this year, and get ready to experience the excitement of Airlie Beach Race Week at its best! With thrilling races, local entertainment, and the chance to explore our beautiful region, it's the event of the season!

Need help planning your Airlie Beach Race Week getaway?

For all of your accommodation, day trips and charter, chat with our local Whitsunday travel experts to seamlessly organise your getaway!