Tasman rivals reunite

Trans-Tasman rivalry returns at Hamilton Island Race Week, 15 to 22 August 2026.

Photography by Salty Dingo/Hamilton Island Race Week

08 July 2026

Hamilton Island Race Week is building toward one of its strongest fleets in recent years, with more than 180 boats now entered and entries still open.

Among them is New Zealand sailor Bill Kidman and his Ross 12 Pretty Boy Floyd, with the regatta set to renew a Trans-Tasman rivalry first sparked offshore.

Earlier this year, Kidman was locked in a close battle with Sharon Ferris-Choat’s Vixen Racing during the Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge before his campaign ended prematurely. The Whitsundays will now provide a very different stage for the two crews to resume competition during Hamilton Island Race Week, presented by American Express.

Close racing is expected across the divisions as Hamilton Island Race Week builds toward one of its strongest fleets in recent years.

Colourful spinnakers fill Dent Passage as the Hamilton Island Race Week fleet races through the Whitsundays.

The Super 40 Plus division is set to be among the closely watched fleets at Hamilton Island Race Week 2026.

The multihull fleet adds depth and variety to Hamilton Island Race Week’s racing program.

Kidman, who ran Great Escape Sailing School in Opua for nine years before completing the solo crossing, said the regatta had long been on his list.

“We’ve heard plenty about Hamilton Island Race Week over the years and it’s one we’ve always wanted to do,” Kidman said.

“The Whitsundays is an incredible place to sail and the standard of competition is always high. There are some quality boats entered this year, so it should make for a great week on the water.

“Whenever Kiwi and Australian crews get together there’s a bit of friendly rivalry, but it’s also a chance to catch up with people you don’t often see and race against some very good sailors.”

Competition is building across the divisions, with the Super 40 Plus fleet shaping as one of the closest contests of the week.

Hamilton Island Race Director Denis Thompson said momentum was continuing to grow.

“With over 180 boats now entered and entries still open, we’re shaping up for another outstanding Hamilton Island Race Week,” Thompson said.

We’ve got competitive divisions throughout the regatta, from the Super 40 Plus class and TP52s through to the multihulls, cruising yachts and trailer yachts. Every class develops its own story over the course of the week, and that’s what makes for good racing.

“It’s also fantastic to see New Zealand crews making the trip across the Tasman. They always add another competitive element to Race Week.”

Crews bring a playful spirit to Hamilton Island Race Week, where the shoreside atmosphere is as much a part of the event as the racing.

Hamilton Island Race Week’s onshore program brings competitors and guests together against the Whitsundays backdrop.

At the top end of the fleet, Grant Wharington and Adrian Seiffert’s 100-foot super maxi Wild Thing 100 headlines the entries, with Sandy Oatley’s Wild Oats X also among the leading maxis.

The TP52 division includes Highly Sprung, Quest, Virago, Zen and New Zealand entry V5, while the multihull fleet ranges from performance catamarans to bluewater cruisers, including the New Zealand entry Cat+Ion.

A strong Non-Spinnaker division, Cape 31 one-design fleet and Trailable Yachts division add further depth to the regatta. At the smaller end of the fleet, Alan Beavis’ 6.9-metre Sonata 7 Aquila reinforces the diversity that has long defined Hamilton Island Race Week.

Now in its 41st edition, Hamilton Island Race Week is recognised as much for its onshore atmosphere as its racing program.

This year’s shoreside schedule includes the Balter Beach Party on lay day, the traditional Presentation Dinner, spectator cruises aboard M/Y Rascal, presented by Ahoy Club, and an evening with Olympic silver medallist Olivia Price and America’s Cup sailor Cole Tapper, alongside a range of dining and social events throughout the week.

Hamilton Island Race Week 2026 will be held from 15 to 22 August in the Whitsundays, Queensland.

hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au

Hamilton Island Race Week combines competitive sailing with some of Australia’s most spectacular island racing grounds.

Event details

Event: Hamilton Island Race Week 2026
Dates: 15–22 August 2026
Location: Hamilton Island, Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia
Presented by: American Express
Entries: More than 180 boats entered, with entries still open
Website: hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au
Tickets: Onshore program and spectator tickets now on sale

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