Regatta maestro

How long have you been involved in HIRW?

I have been running HIRW since 2007 after being approached by Bob Oatley to run Race Week when Warwick Hoban and his team stepped down.

Over those many years, what have you noticed about its evolution and milestone in the event?

The boats have improved dramatically in both crew performance and boat performance.  Even the so-called heavy cruising boats now can go upwind against the wind and current with ease,

What other events are you in charge of as Regatta Director?

I have dropped a few in the last couple of years due to overlaps. Currently Magnetic Island Race Week, Sail Port Stephens, Sail Paradise, Sydney Harbour Regatta plus running a number of other events as Race Officer such as Sydney Hobart race, Maxi Champs, major Match Racing events and the occasional World Championships.

What are the major challenges with organising events of this stature?

There are a lot of big players in this regatta and trying to keep everybody involved is difficult.  I try to design courses that are fair with regards to the wind direction and the tidal flows around the islands.  Fair racing includes having boat handicaps that give every boat a chance to get on the podium if they sail well.

The handicap committee do a great job in that respect.  Also, I understand that most competitors want to back in the marina by about 4:30 so they can enjoy the delights of Hamilton Island.  The social aspects of the regatta are an important part of the experience.

What do you enjoy about these events?

I enjoy the camaraderie of the sailors and the race teams.  I meet a lot of the people at other regattas during the year.  I particularly enjoy watching the top boats racing tightly around island picking their way through the tidal gates and making strategic decision against their close competitors.

How did you first become interested in sailing?

Unlike most sailors, I only got involved in sailing in my teens but I took to it like a duck to water.  Involving myself in sailing, club administration, running races and building boats.  I was immersed in sailboat racing from then on.

What makes ‘Hammo Race Week’ such a special event?

It is interesting calling the event “Hammo”.  When I was at a planning meeting in my early years, a PR person insisted that it was not Hammo but we should refer to it as Hamilton Island Race Week for brand identity.  However I believe the resort island is Hamilton Island but the event itself is “Hammo”.

The regatta has a great mix of great racing with a lot of fast boats, skilful sailors ad a unique social atmosphere on the island.  And as I am often told, it’s fantastic to have islands to sail around which is a change from sailing around buoys.

What will the 40th anniversary celebrations involve?

The 40-year celebrations will revolve around the early days of the regatta with some of the first few being involved.  There will be several displays and recreations of the early 1980s. I wonder if the island will back to 1984 drink prices?

What keeps you motivated?

There is no need to keep me motivated, I just love sailing and getting deeply involved in this regatta and others as well.  I wonder if I can keep going for another 40 years?

hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au