Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 First Day

Alison Condon

Updated Fri 09 Aug 2024

There's a buzz about Airlie Beach today (Friday 9 August) as Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 officially sets sail with its first race of the season. This year's Race Week, sponsored by Mount Gay, got off to a sensational start with perfect, warm weather and south to south easterly winds of between 17 and 24 knots.

Day One of Airlie Beach Race Week kicked off on Friday morning just after 11am down by Coral Sea Marina with a whopping 150 boats competing across a total of 14 divisions.Those competing in this year's Race Week are in with a chance of winning some coveted prizes. Prizes, ranging from a top-of-the-line BBQ to a four-figure Ray Marine package, will be presented to this week's winners at the Whitsunday Sailing Club at the end of each race day.

Here are some of the best shots from a gripping Day One!

Airlie Beach Race Week Day One

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Eureka II shown here looking sleek and sharp as ever! This beautiful Ocean Racer provides the perfect vessel for exploring the Whitsunday Islands, and offers 2 day, 2 night trips that depart every Monday and Wednesday. The itinerary includes a visit to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and some of the finest fringing reefs of the islands. You can book a trip on Eureka II by following this link here. 

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Domino was spotted out on the water today, sails hoisted and ripping through the water like a knife through butter! Domino, a beautiful 36ft sailing yacht, can be booked for full day charters, where you can visit Langford Island and some of the finest reefs at the North of Hook Island, or for an intimate sunset sail where you can cruise around Pioneer Bay with a few of your loved ones watching the sun set in luxury!  

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What To Expect From The Rest of the Week

Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 will run until 15 August with events taking place every day both at sea and onshore. 

While the Whitsunday Sailing Club will be open to the public all week for lunch and dinner, spectators can enjoy live music and food vans in the Sailing Club's especially-made Festival Village from 2pm every day.

Each day of Race Week, there will be an opportunity to attend an art exhibition and guided tour, including a 'sip and paint' event on Sunday and Monday. 

Race Week 2024 will come to a close on Thursday 15 August with a breathtaking fireworks display following the final presentation event.

If you happen to be lucky enough to be in town for Race Week, be sure to get in touch with one of our local travel experts for information on how best to enjoy the celebrations.

Take a browse through out private charter and Race Week charter options to get the best views of the race and take control of your journey through the Whitsundays.