As entries breach the century mark, Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) is pleased to announce that 74 Islands Distillery has signed up as Naming Rights Sponsor for 2025 Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW), adding to excitement following the recent announcement of the Whitsundays and Townsville being selected as venues for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games Sailing Competition.
"A local artisan gin and vodka distillery on the Whitsunday coast, 74 Islands Distillery is one our club and competitors can relate to, so it's a win-win situation for all concerned," said ABRW Regatta Chairman, Terry Archer, who is also a regular competitor at Race Week, to be held from 7-14 August this year.
On the Olympic Sailing Competition heading their way, Archer said, "We could not be happier. This is an amazing opportunity that will have a major impact on our region. It will have massive benefits not only for sailing, but the whole community as a whole and we are looking forward to welcoming sailors from around the world, along with their families and friends."
Whitsunday Sailing Club, which underwent major modifications in recent times, is ideally located. It has run major sailing events in the stunning Whitsundays for years, including its signature event, ABRW which garners up to 200 keelboats and off the beach boats annually. Competitors love the location and the fact that restaurants and accommodation are within walking distance or a five minute car ride away.
From competitors to tourists, it is a dream come true destination, with so many attractions within easy reach.
From this year (the 37th edition) on, the event will have a dual purpose, as the Club will use it to gauge all aspects of what will be required for the Olympics, with the eyes of the world no doubt tuning into the Whitsundays and all it has to offer.
Justin Van Stom is a Townsville local who will race his 11 Metre One Design named Calypso. Van Stom enjoys ABRW and SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week and is looking at them with different eyes this year.
"How lucky are we be to living and sailing here with both places being Olympic worthy," states Van Stom who comes from a family of sailors.
"They are such great places to sail and both have awesome venues. Can you imagine more brilliant places to train for the Olympics?
"Airlie Beach is such a beautiful venue. And Race Week is a fun, friendly event, has great competition and is a great testing ground, because you are up against the best from Australia.
"I'm a yacht broker, so the Olympics will also be good for my business. The fact that I will be there when the Sailing Competition at the Games is on is incredible. I'll be putting my hat in the ring to help out in any way I can," Van Stom said.
Andrew York (NSW) concurs. He has some incite when it comes sailing at the elite level and the venues chosen. A former Australian Laser champion and reigning Australian Sports Boat champion, York's dad, Michael York, was selected to represent Australia at the 1968 Games in the 5.5 Metre class, but unable to get time off from work, the America's and Admiral's Cup sailor was replaced by Sir James Hardy.
"I think the Bay (Pioneer) is a very good venue. You could run half a dozen courses there. Airlie already has two marinas, the Club is friendly, and it's a great place to sail," says York, who offers this tip: "A guy I ocean raced with has a 16-year-old son, Healy Ryan. He's an ILCA7 sailor and he's my pick for selection to the 2032 Games- so yes, I have a vested interest."
Of ABRW, York, who will race his Reo 8.5, Like Oxygen, says, "I enjoy it because it's where all the sports boats go to race. It's an anticipated event for all of us (there are 15 entered so far, with more to come). The get-together at the end of every day is fun. I've been a regular competitor there for years. In fact, I like Airlie so much, I bought a place up there!"
Van Stom and York are among those who urge all others to join the current plus 100 entries set to compete across 10 classes in this sailing paradise.
No matter what type of boat you sail, there is a division for all at Airlie Beach Race Week.
