Posted: 9th February 2018
Posted in: Activities, Attractions, Events, General Information, News, Sailing
Clear your calendars! The 2018 Hamilton Island Race Week program of events and race schedule has been announced and accommodation bookings for August are filling fast.
If you’ve never visited Hamilton Island during Race Week, you’re in for a treat. Australia’s largest offshore keelboat regatta is one of the world’s most anticipated international yachting events and a drawcard for competitors and their crews, sailing enthusiasts, and holidaymakers all keen to soak up the festival-style atmosphere.
While the rest of Australia is rugging up for our coldest winter month, Hamilton Island is ramping up the party in paradise.
Race Week celebrations run throughout the entire month of August, with races for yachts of varying class held between 19th – 24th August against a backdrop of crystal Whitsunday waters and tropical palms boasting an average daily temperature of around 23° celsius.
To add to the festivities, the schedule of ‘off water’ events has evolved into an impressive and eclectic program that’s almost as popular as the sailing.
Celebrity chefs in the league of Matt Moran showcase their skills at exclusive dinners and cocktail parties and iconic fashion designers – 2017’s Race Week attracted Collette Dinnigan – light up the catwalk with their signature styles.
The Prix d’Elegance adds to the fun – it’s a fiercely-contested yet lighthearted event that sees entrants vie for the trophy for ‘Best Presented Yacht’ and ‘Best Themed Yacht’.
While events for 2018 Hamilton Island Race Week are not open for bookings until June, accommodation across the Island fills up much earlier.
Whitsunday Holidays have the edge when it comes to luxury accommodation with a portfolio of over sixty exclusive properties boasting features and fittings befitting the ambience of Race Week.
Kristie Kaighin, owner and operator of Whitsunday Holidays – the Hamilton Island and Whitsunday holiday specialists – encourages guests to book early to avoid disappointment.
“We’ve already started taking bookings for Race Week,” she says. “It’s the most popular event of the year, and accommodation fills up fast.”
With many visitors and sailing crew bringing their families to experience the unique vibe of Race Week, the event doubles as great opportunity for a family holiday.
“We can offer families or larger groups prestige, privacy and comfort, without compromising their budget,” says Kristie. “Our handpicked exclusive homes can accommodate between eight and fourteen quests, depending on individual guest requirements and the style of the property.”
Whitsunday Holidays’ accommodation selection includes penthouses, villas, luxury apartments, and high-end holiday homes, offering a celebrity lifestyle with an affordable price tag.
Each spacious property comes equipped with stunning water views, private pool, BBQ and deck, lush tropical gardens, gourmet kitchen, and resort-style facilities, including one (or two) personal golf buggies for getting around island-style.
“We start the VIP treatment from the minute you arrive on Hamilton Island,” says Kristie of the personalised service Whitsunday Holidays are famous for. “The valet driver will greet you at the airport or marina and drive you to your accommodation – a stress free start to your holiday”.
Whether you’re a return visitor to Hamilton Island Race Week or you’re ticking it off your bucket list, make accommodation your top priority.
Whitsunday Holidays are open seven days a week from 8.30am to 8.30pm. To make an enquiry about your 2018 Hamilton Island Race Week holiday, call one of the friendly team on 1300 653 997.
To view our range of luxury holiday accommodation, click here.