Airlie Beach Race Week and Festival of Sailing 2022
Photo: Colours and Clouds
Airlie Beach’s highly anticipated Race Week and Festival of Sailing commences between the 11th and 18th of August 2022. Airlie Beach is located in the Whitsundays, home to 74 tropical islands and the doorway to the Great Barrier Reef. The Whitsunday Islands are one of the lead locations in the world for sailing, attracting thousands of visitors per year.
Hosted by the Whitsunday Sailing Club for the 34th year, the first race is scheduled for Friday 12th August and will go through to Thursday 18th. The races begin off the mainland in Pioneer Bay and weave around different buoys scattered throughout the ocean. This year, a record-breaking 185 boats will be competing.
The town is set to be flooded with participants and spectators, eager to be involved with the action. Crews consisting of friends, colleagues and families are set to race. Many have travelled thousands of kilometres away, just for the week. Other locals have been anticipating the seven day race and festival all year.
The Festival of Sailing will be taking place onshore in Airlie Beach and will consist of entertainment, social activities and more. There are expected to be roughly 10,000 people in attendance. The Whitsunday Sailing Club will also be hosting a Long Lunch and Wine Tasting on Sunday August 14th from 12pm until late. The lunch will be set on the balcony of the club with viewing of Pioneer Bay and the racing course. Indulge in a five course meal consisting of tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and other local delicacies, paired with delicious wines of course. To book a seat at the long lunch, click here!
The peak of whale season also occurs in the Whitsundays during August which means that race participants might cross paths with majestic humpback whales. It has been known in the past for the race to be paused for participants to admire the show or to allow them to pass through.
The 2021 Race Week was heavily impacted by COVID-19 restrictions but still managed to go ahead under the circumstances. This year, with lower restrictions and marinas already at full capacity, the influx of visitors is set to be much larger which is great news for the community.
Keen to watch the race? Be sure to head down to Airlie Beach’s foreshore or for the best seat in the house, hire a charter and watch the race up close and personal from the comfort of a luxurious vessel!
