Hamilton Island Race Week: Yacht Owners and Skippers Welcome Party

Race Director, Hamilton Island Race Week, Mr Denis Thompson; Chief Executive Officer, Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, Ms Karen Baldwin; yacht owners and skippers from all over the world; race management and officials; Race Week sponsors and event partners; distinguished guests, good evening.

I would also like to acknowledge the Original Custodians of the lands of this region and their connection to land, sea and community. I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

My husband Graeme and I are delighted to join you this evening to celebrate the commencement of the 41st Hamilton Island Race Week, and we warmly welcome all of the yacht owners and skippers from near and far, who are crucial to making this event such a highlight in the international sailing calendar.

In 1983, this regatta began as a visionary idea by Victorian yachties Dave Hutchen and Leon O’Donoghue, who, along with entrepreneur and Hamilton Island owner and operator, Keith Williams, saw the immense potential of hosting a new sailing event among the stunning islands and sparkling waters of the Whitsundays.

Just one year later, the starter’s gun signalled the commencement of the inaugural race, with 93 yachts taking part—this despite the resort still being a building site, all roads being gravel, and a week of relentless, drenching rain.

The next year, a devastating fire destroyed much of the main resort building, and of course, since then, the vagaries of wind and weather—despite the shift from April to August —have kept things interesting for even the most seasoned sailors.

What hasn’t changed across these many years, is both the attraction of this spectacular location, and the camaraderie this event brings to those who take part.

As Australia’s largest offshore keelboat regatta, it showcases the capabilities of a diverse range of vessels—from luxury 100-foot superyachts to 20-foot trailables and attracts sailors of all abilities—from elite professionals to weekend amateurs, with racing levels tailored to suit.

A spirit of healthy competition from entrants across the globe, coupled with the natural and man-made attractions of the Whitsundays have helped create a unique atmosphere that showcases the best of Queensland to an ever-growing audience—not just to sailing aficionados, like Graeme, but to the thousands of spectators who also enjoy all the many vibrant onshore activities, and the renowned Hamilton Island hospitality.

We are so fortunate in Queensland, to have such a deep connection with boating and marine recreation.

Our state leads the country in boat ownership, boasts fabulous marinas, and has immense experience in hosting world-class events such as this regatta, and the Airlie Beach Race Week —which finished a few days ago.

This sterling reputation for sailing excellence is reflected in the Whitsundays being selected to co-host, with Townsville, the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic sailing competitions, and I take this opportunity to thank Mayor Collins and Councillors of the Whitsunday Regional Council for their part in making this happen.

I am sure many of you here tonight will be back for that spectacular display of global sportsmanship.

I also acknowledge, with gratitude, the generous partners and sponsors who have contributed to making Hamilton Island Race Week such a success, and I commend the hard-working organisers from the Hamilton Island Yacht Club and the resort who ensure sailors and spectators take home fantastic memories.

I wish you all fair winds and safe sailing in the days ahead. Enjoy the celebrations!