Hogs Breath Race Week at Airlie Beach, Australia - Preview
by Sam Crichton 8 Apr 2003 10:02 BST
April 6 2003
Competitors at the 14th annual Hogs Breath Race Week, held at Airlie Beach, Queensland will be enjoying new facilities this year.
Since the inception of this event in 1989, it has grown into one of Australia's most popular yachting regattas.
A major factor in the future growth of Hogs Breath Race Week is the new marina at Abel Point. This facility will be operational for this year's event and will cater for the entire Hogs Breath Race Week fleet. Marina fees are included in the modest entry fee. A feature of the new marina will be its capacity to accommodate yachts in the "Maxi" size range. The new marina will also provide a social hub, with Tooheys New erecting a huge marquee (complete with bar facilities) at the entrance to the marina.
This year's Hogs Breath Race Week will take place from August 8th to the 14th. There is a lay-day scheduled for Monday the 11th of August.
Widely known as the "Tropical Shirt Regatta", Hogs Breath Race Week will again offer sailors ideal sailing on Pioneer Bay and the best value hospitality in the Whitsunday's. The founder of Hogs Breath Race Week and Organising Committee Chairman, Don Algie commented, "As past competitors can attest to, Pioneer Bay provides fantastic conditions for racing and cruising. Added to this is the Airlie Beach township that provides all styles of accommodation, restaurants, bars, transportation and entertainment for crews and families".
Changes for this year's Hogs Breath Race Week include the addition of the Big Boat Division, for yachts over 60 feet long and the Premier Cruising division, catering for larger modern cruising yachts. There will be an emphasis on one-design racing, with Sydney 38 and Farr 40 and Trailerable Yacht one design fleets. Other racing divisions include IRC, PHS, Cruising (with and without spinnakers) and Sports Boats.
Host yacht club, the Whitsunday Sailing Club will again open its doors to visiting crews. Commodore George Canfield said "We again look forward to welcoming competitors to Airlie Beach for Race Week. It has grown into a major event in the town and we expect this year to be bigger than ever".
All information, including the Notice of Race and accommodation is provided on the event website at www.hogsbreathraceweek.com.au . All entries are accepted on-line.