Rush hour

The most enthusiastic competitor of all to date is offshore racing enthusiast, Wayne Millar, with his 41 foot sloop, Zoe. Originally from Townsville and now Lennox Head in northern NSW, Millar has missed only three Race Weeks since 1991.

It’s the best regatta on the planet. There is nothing to compare with it,” an always energetic Millar said. “The big changes have come since the Oatley family took over ownership of the Island.

“They are great yachties, so they know how to make every part of the regatta work.

The parties are as good as the sailing.”

Millar’s worst memory of Race Week came in the mid-1990s when a 150 nautical mile overnight race was the signature event for the Grand Prix level yachts: “The breeze died in the early evening just as we were approaching the finishing line,” he said.

“We could see and hear the party happening in the tavern onshore and wanted to be there, but the tide got hold of us and we drifted past the party four times while we tried to get to the line. Worse still, by the time we finished and got ashore it was early morning and the bar was closed.

“Needless to say, we think that one of the best changes made to the regatta schedule has been to cancel the overnight race.”

Apart from the excitement of racing on courses that take the fleet around the myriad of islands in the Whitsundays, the scheduled Lay Day mid-week provides the crews and their families and friends with the opportunity kick up the heels at the big Summer Bright Pool Party or enjoy fine dining and champagne at the Charles Heidsieck Luncheon at qualia, the island’s six star resort.

Or there are options to play a round of golf on the superbly scenic 18-hole course, do a day-cruise around the islands, or simply relax and watch the sunset from the Bommie Deck at Hamilton Island Yacht Club.