Hamilton fleet builds

Among the sailors returning to Hamilton Island is Australian offshore sailor Stacey Jackson, who has made a late switch to Touche 42 after Indigo II suffered rudder damage during the recent GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race.

“I’ve joined Touche 42 at the last minute. I’ve raced on the boat before, when she was Not a Diamond, but it’s a new team for me,” Jackson said.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone and getting out there in what should be a very competitive Super 40 Plus class.”

Jackson first competed at Hamilton Island Race Week in the early 2000s and estimates 2026 will mark her 15th appearance.

“I’ve genuinely lost count. Hamilton Island Race Week is so different to the tough offshore races, and that’s one of the reasons I love it,” she said.

You’re out there having a great day sailing in an amazing part of the world, but there are still plenty of challenges. You’ve got the navigation, the tides and the local breezes.”

Jackson arrives at Race Week following a significant year on the international sailing circuit. She was part of Yacht Club de Monaco’s winning Admiral’s Cup team aboard Jolt, before joining The Famous Project CIC for its record-setting circumnavigation earlier this year.

In January, the all-female crew established a women’s reference time for the Jules Verne Trophy course of 57 days, 21 hours and 20 minutes, making Jackson the fastest Australian, male or female, to complete a non-stop circumnavigation.

“Winning the Admiral’s Cup and then adding the Jules Verne record made for a pretty incredible year of sailing,” Jackson said.

“I’m incredibly proud to have been part of that team of eight women. To become the first all-female crew to sail non-stop and unassisted around the world, and to do it in 57 days, 21 hours and 20 minutes, was pretty special.”

Hamilton Island Race Director Denis Thompson welcomed Jackson’s late addition to the fleet.

“Stacey is one of Australia’s most accomplished offshore sailors, so it is terrific that she has been able to find another opportunity to compete at Race Week following the disappointment for Indigo II,” Thompson said.

“She also lands in Super 40 Plus, which has been shaping up as one to watch. Ten boats are entered across a real spread of designs, so that division is going to be hard fought.”

Strong fleet across divisions

The TP52 division has also strengthened ahead of the opening weekend, with Peter White’s First Light and Lee Hawksley’s Gusto joining Highly Sprung, Quest and Virago to create a five-boat fleet.

“The growth of the TP52 division to five boats is another highlight,” Thompson said. “They’re incredibly competitive yachts and that class should produce some of the closest racing of the week.”

Race Week will also welcome the Sonata 26 design for the first time. Victorian entries Serenata, Tempo and Jacana will join South Australia’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere in the Trailable Yachts Class.

Victoria has recorded the largest increase in participation, with 40 boats entered compared with 25 in 2025. New South Wales remains the largest state contingent with 73 entries, followed by Queensland with 57.

International competitors include US sailors Barry and Susie Parkin, who will make their Hamilton Island Race Week debut aboard the Oyster 825 Viva La Vida. The pair are currently participating in the Oyster World Rally.

“With entries across a diverse range of classes, we’re looking forward to welcoming competitors from around Australia and overseas for another outstanding Hamilton Island Race Week,” Thompson said.

Racing and celebrations

Race Week officially begins on Saturday 15 August with the Nautilus Marine Insurance Skippers’ Welcome at Hamilton Island Yacht Club, before racing starts the following day.

The annual Prix d’Elegance will take place before racing on Thursday 20 August, with awards for Best Presented Yacht and Crew and Best Fun-Themed Yacht and Crew.

Race Week coincides with the annual humpback whale migration through the Whitsundays, which was recognised as a Whale Heritage Area in 2024. Competitors, support vessels, media boats and spectators are required to observe Commonwealth and Queensland marine mammal protection regulations throughout the event.

Event details

Event: Hamilton Island Race Week 2026
Edition: 41st
Dates: 15 to 22 August 2026
Racing: 16 to 22 August 2026
Location: Hamilton Island and the Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, Australia
Fleet: 194 entries
New South Wales entries: 73
Queensland entries: 57
Victorian entries: 40
TP52 fleet: Five yachts
Super 40 Plus fleet: 10 yachts
Race Director: Denis Thompson
Presented by: American Express
Skippers’ Welcome: Saturday 15 August, Hamilton Island Yacht Club
Prix d’Elegance: Thursday 20 August

hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au