Wind Returns for Grand Finale at Jeanneau and 74 Islands Airlie Beach Race Week

Wind Returns for Grand Finale at Jeanneau and 74 Islands Airlie Beach Race Week

Wazza Red boat finished on the podium. Credit: Andrea Francolini ABRW

The following media release has been supplied by Airlie Beach Race Week and wraps up the final day of Jeanneau Yachts presented by Mooloolaba Yacht Brokers and 74 Islands Airlie Beach Race Week 2026, shared here for AFLOAT Magazine readers with an interest in Australian yacht racing and regatta news.

Competitors could not have wished for better weather for the finale of Jeanneau Yachts presented by Mooloolaba Yacht Brokers and 74 Islands Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) 2026. The breeze returned with 25 knots under sunny skies, while whales made an appearance on Pioneer Bay as a Bay Race decided the final outcomes.

The 38th running of Whitsunday Sailing Club’s regatta delivered near-perfect sailing conditions throughout the week, with only one light-weather day at the tropical regatta.

Rating Passage divisions

Team Hollywood cleaned up again Credit: Andrea Francolini ABRW

 

Division 1

Ray Roberts and crew aboard Team Hollywood (NSW) delivered a dominant performance, winning six of the seven races. Grant Pocklington’s Anarchy finished second overall, despite retiring from the final race, while Malcolm Dean’s TP52 Frantic claimed third.

Roberts said Airlie Beach Race Week remains an important part of his preparation.

“The best way to train is to race and the problem with racing yachts is we don’t race in competition with each other enough. So coming to Airlie Beach is part of the plan and organisation to sail well at Hamilton Island in tough competition.

“The standard of sailing takes a step up at Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island, two of the most competitive regattas in Australia. Both put you under pressure and that’s a good thing. The other part of doing well is to make the boat safe, leaving less chance for error and accidents.”

Wazza Red boat finished on the podium. Credit: Andrea Francolini ABRW

 

Division 2

Paul Heyes’ Road Runner claimed the overall series victory ahead of Bruce McCraken’s Ikon, while local crew Kate Leeson and Garth Riley aboard Wazza Red Boat finished third.

“We had a horrible start. We dropped a winch overboard and had to get it back. Down the first run we lit up and overtook everyone… We’re very happy with our win.”

Performance Racing

Tim McCall’s Barracuda secured overall honours ahead of Iyas Shaheen’s Smooth Criminal, while Hughie Lewis’ Hartbreaker finished third.

“We’re pretty happy with the racing and competition… We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. It’s our second win at Airlie.”

Multihull Racing

Joel Berg’s Hooligan claimed Multihull Racing Division O after edging local rival Ullman Sails by a single point.

Division 1 went to Stuart Cox’s Cut Snake, while Division 2 was won by Peter Hackett’s Intrigue after a close battle with Terry Archer’s G’Nome.

In Multihull Passage, Trevor Dean’s Ocean Blue claimed overall honours after overturning a one-point deficit on the final day.

Performance Cruising

Division 1 was won by Mal Robertson aboard Eureka II, Division 2 by local skipper Charles Wallis aboard Reignition, while Phillip Cormie’s Dreamtime Solutions claimed Division 3 after a remarkably close finish.

Non-Spinnaker divisions

Terrence Stevens’ Matchless won Division 1, while Mark Strobel’s Krystal claimed Division 2 after another tight series.

Dont Panic won every race. Credit: Andrea Francolini ABRW

 

Trailable Yachts and Sports Boats

David Davenport and Ken Stevenson dominated Division 1 aboard Don’t Panic!, winning every race.

Division 2 was won by Burke Melia aboard No Mercy, while Rob Douglass successfully defended the VX One title aboard Dollop.

Off the Beach Multihulls

New Zealand’s Terry Bailey completed a clean sweep on the final day to win the series aboard Teal Spirit, ahead of The Bandicoot and Blade Runner.

Boss Hog Trophy

One of the highlights of Race Week was the presentation of the Boss Hog Trophy to Ian and Annika Thomson from Ocean Crusaders aboard J-Bird.

The pair were recognised for their outstanding contribution to the event through environmental initiatives, including collecting cans each morning to raise funds for Whitsunday Sailing Club’s junior sailing programs and organising the annual Clean Up Day during Lay Day.

ABRW volunteers – where would we be without them. Credit: Vampp Photography

 

Looking ahead

Event Chair and Whitsunday Sailing Club President Terry Archer thanked competitors, sponsors and volunteers for supporting another successful regatta.

“Without the many competitors we would not have such a great event. We look forward to welcoming you back next year and to welcoming newcomers.”

“I particularly want to thank our volunteers on the water and ashore, who freely give their time, a lot of them for many, many years. This event could not be run – and run smoothly – without them.”

We look forward to seeing you all here again next year – bring your family and friends along and make a real holiday of it!

Full results, news, photos and more are available at www.abrw.com.au.

This information was supplied by Airlie Beach Race Week. AFLOAT Magazine will continue to share regatta results, Australian sailing news and major yachting events from around the country. Read more sailing news at AFLOAT Magazine.