Cyclone clean up

Officials from the Whitsunday Sailing Club feel assured that the hard work of race officials, volunteers and the local community, following Cyclone Debbie, will pay off. “Keep the entries coming in!” is the official call from event organisers.

“While the cyclone damaged some homes, marinas and commercial premises, it was Airlie’s lush vegetation that was hardest hit. This damage is not surmountable, however, and the official clean up is well in hand – thanks to the work of locals and volunteers,” event spokesman Adrian Bram said.

Renowned amongst sailors for its warm waters and unique island courses, the Airlie Beach Race Week is supported and frequented by sailors all around Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe. In fact, organisers are hoping to top last year’s record of 131 registered boats.

“Airlie Beach Race Week provides the best sailing of anyone in the Whitsundays, and it has got the best courses because of the long reaching and running legs,” NSW multi-hull sailor Darren Drew explained after registering for the race week in August.