Airlie Beach Race Week Presentation Dinner

Whitsunday Regional Council, Mayor, Councillor Ry Collins and Mrs Melanie Collins; President, Whitsunday Sailing Club and Chairman, Airlie Beach Race Week, Mr Terry Archer; sailors and sailing enthusiasts; distinguished guests.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands and waters of the Whitsunday region, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

Graeme and I are delighted that our visit to the beautiful Whitsunday region coincides with two iconic Queensland sailing regattas — Airlie Beach Race Week, and Hamilton Island Race Week.

While Pioneer Bay and the Whitsunday Passages are already renowned as a boatie’s paradise, this week has brought an influx of local, intrastate, interstate and international participants, drawn by the thrill of racing on courses that weave around stunning tropical islands, with the August trade winds in their sails.

We join all of you in congratulating the winners of the various divisions in this year’s event, who have demonstrated both their outstanding sailing prowess, and the incredible capabilities of their yachts, in what is always an extensive field of very worthy competitors.

Onshore, the Festival of Sailing provides vibrant entertainment and warm hospitality, and a welcome opportunity to share stories and the experiences of the day with friends old and new.

This unique atmosphere of friendly rivalry and convivial fun has defined Airlie Beach Race Week since it was first held here back in September 1990.

From the beginning, this event was so popular that it quickly broadened from a Cruising Classic, into a multi-class, full week regatta, featuring vessels of diverse design, size and performance, and for such success, we must acknowledge the insight and hard work of its founders in the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

Against such a backdrop of perfect sailing conditions, exceptional facilities, and immense expertise it is not surprising that the Whitsundays will draw the attention of the world, when the region co-hosts sailing events in the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.

What an exciting time that will be, particularly for Queensland sailors, who can proudly showcase our spectacular coastline to an international broadcast audience in the billions.

I thank Mayor Collins, and the Councillors of the Whitsunday Regional Council for their contributions in advocating so effectively for the region.

I also commend President, Mr Terry Archer, and the Committee of the Whitsunday Sailing Club for hosting such a splendid week of sailing and extend this gratitude to all competitors, volunteers, race officials, the partners, sponsors and supporters who help make the regatta successful.

Congratulations again to all of tonight’s champions—and enjoy this evening of celebration.