Hamilton Island Race Champions Rise to Glory

Highlights from the 40th Anniversary of Hamilton Island Race Week

Hamilton Island Race Week continues to be a premier summer destination for competitive sailing, drawing in over 155 Australian and international boats. This year marked the 40th anniversary of the event, which has become a highlight for sailors seeking both challenge and camaraderie on the waters around Hamilton Island.

As the final races concluded, teams celebrated their achievements or prepared for the last chance to secure their positions on the podium. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, as competitors from all divisions gathered for one final race around the islands.

TP52 Division Wins for Hooligan

Marcus Blackmore’s TP52 Hooligan, skippered by U.S. sailor Gavin Brady, secured the Rating 1 division victory. Despite already having the win locked up, the team finished the six-day series with a second place in the final 25 nautical mile race. Tactician Malcolm Page, a double 470 Olympic gold medalist, praised the team’s effort and the progress they made over the past two years.

“This week has been a culmination of hard work,” said Page. “The team gelled well, and Gavin’s knowledge of the TP52s was crucial to our success.”

Blackmore, who won the arbitrary division at the inaugural Race Week in 1984, now has six Race Week campaign victories under his belt. He expressed his pride in seeing the team achieve their goal and highlighted the importance of the event in the sailing community.

Farr 40 Division Dominance

David and Theresa Hamilton’s Farr 40, Seeking Alpha, claimed victory in the Rating 2 division. This was their first northern campaign after returning from living and working overseas. Their team included Mitch White, Dick Parker, and tactician Tom Spithill, among others.

The team’s performance was consistent throughout the regatta, earning them a comfortable 7-point lead over the second-place finisher, Ron Epstein’s JPK1180 Bacchanal.

Super 40 Division Success

Ray Roberts’ Botin 40 Team Hollywood dominated the Super 40 division, outperforming other top contenders such as Sam Haynes’ Cape 31 Celestial and Phil Simpfendorfer’s Melges 40 Veloce. Their strong performance showcased their skill and preparation for the event.

Multihull Racing Highlights

In the Multihull Racing division, Stuart Cox’s Stealth 12.7 Cut Snake took the top spot, finishing five points ahead of Dara Johnson’s Gunboat 68 Slingshot. Another notable entry was Stuart Malouf’s Stealth 12 Coconuts.

Ian Mewett’s Lagoon 570 Social Platform won the Black division, while Erin Mhley’s Gunboat 48 Malolo claimed first place in the White division. Mewett emphasized the importance of a skilled crew and navigator, noting that the boat was well-sailed throughout the event.

Other Notable Winners

Peter and Saskia Cook’s Hick 38 GCCM Arctic Blond won the Yellow division, marking a memorable achievement for the team. Saskia credited the race committee for their fair and challenging courses.

David Gotze’s Lyons 60 Triton secured its first Race Week division win, with the crew praising their performance and the friendly competition. Adrian Castle’s Adams 10.6 Salty took first place in the Orange division, while Shane McKay’s Ker 11.3 Kerazy narrowly beat Wayne Millar’s Murray 41 Zoe in the closely contested Pink division.

Roger Gunn’s Fareast 28R Karma Kaze triumphed in the Trailer Yacht division, proving that even smaller boats can make a big impact. Gunn described the experience as “sensational” and expressed his intention to return next year.

Non-Spinnaker Division Winner

Glenn Myler’s Tasmanian Beneteau Oceanis 43 Thylacine One took the top spot in the Non-Spinnaker division. Myler, who previously co-skipped the RP66 Alive in the Melbourne to Osaka Race, brought his expertise to the event.

Final Thoughts

Hamilton Island Race Week remains a testament to the spirit of competition and teamwork in the sailing world. With a wide range of divisions and classes, the event offers something for every sailor, from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic amateurs. As the 40th anniversary celebrations conclude, the legacy of this iconic regatta continues to inspire future generations of sailors.