Saturday, September 5, 2015

Fun Times @ AUDI Hamilton Race Week

Audi Hamilton Race week start (Hamilton Islands, Australia)- This year’s Audi Hamilton Island Race Week featured a little bit of everything for the sailors- from a gorgeous, brilliant first day of sailing, to pop-up rain storms, to spectacular sunrises and sunsets interspersed with rain and sun.  Never a dull moment for the large fleet of boats that kept criss-crossing the Dent Passage from August 16th to 22nd.

When the weather is “on”, it’s simply stunning.  Perfectly situated on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, amongst Queensland's seventy-four Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island offers an experience like no other: glorious weather, azure waters, brilliant beaches, awe-inspiring coral reefs, fascinating flora and fauna, fine food and wines, and activities almost too numerous to mention.

IJ/130 sailing off Australian the end, it was the J/133 EUPHORIA, skippered by Anthony Coleman, that had a week-long battle for the top of the podium in EHC Racer-Cruiser class.  And, fittingly, the entire regatta came down to the last race in a “who beat who” scenario to determine the winner.  However, the outcome was a surprise, with EUPHORIA taking 2nd in the race, but not good enough to win!  Having to settle for the silver as a result of being tied on 23 pts each and losing the tie-breaker!  Nevertheless, a great performance for Coleman’s team and chances are likely their performance will only whet their appetite to return in 2016 to seek the overall title!

In addition to the large cruiser classes that dominate the event, the 2015 Australian IRC Championship was taking place.  In the IRC 4 Class, Chris & Bernadette Morgan’s J/130 RAGTIME had their moments of brilliance, but could only managed a mid-fleet finish, taking 7th in their class.  For more AUDI Hamilton Island Race Week sailing information.