New dates set for Airlie Beach Race Week

Hype around Airlie Beach Race Week continues to escalate for the Whitsunday Sailing Club with new dates set for this year’s seven-day event.

Traditionally a Thursday to Thursday event, organisers wanted to ensure all sailors could participate by beginning the 2013 registration day on Friday, August 9 with the regatta continuing through to Friday, August 16.

According to Whitsunday Sailing Club Commodore Rob Davis, the date change will hopefully entice more competitors to fit the event with their work week, with the Great Whitsunday Fun Race following on Saturday, August 17.

Mr Davis said the Whitsunday Sailing Club is particularly excited for this year’s regatta with the new date schedule and renowned marketing team New Tack Consulting taking over the onshore activities.

“The event has grown in popularity and size and as a result there is a need to bring in a management company,” Mr Davis said.

“New Tack has been involved with the biggest yachting regatta in the country, namely Geelong’s Festival of Sails for a number of years, so we are very pleased that they will now join as partners with Airlie Beach Race Week 2013,” he said.

The first day of official racing will commence on Saturday, August 10 with lay day on Tuesday, August 13.

Airlie Beach Race Week is also a part of the Season of Sailing campaign.