Hamilton Island Race Week set to mark its 40th year

Australia’s Hamilton Island Race Week celebrates 40 years this August, marking 4 many years of world-class crusing, distinctive meals and wine, and sun-soaked revelry.

Presented for the primary time by American Express, the 2025 regatta is scheduled for sixteenth to twenty third August, a lineup of unmissable world-class experiences and occasions on water and on shore. 

Hamilton Island chief government Nick Dowling mentioned: “Race Week’s 40th anniversary is a landmark moment. What began as a simple sailing competition has become a spectacle of sail racing, culinary excellence, and island fun. It’s not just about sailing the most picturesque course in the world, it’s about celebrating everything that makes Hamilton Island so special: world-class experiences, a vibrant food and wine scene, and the incredible atmosphere and camaraderie that events like Race Week bring to the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef.” 

Indeed, what started as a distinct segment offshore crusing regatta in 1984 has developed right into a week-long competition of sport, model and island tradition, attracting crews, cooks, celebrities, and spectators from across the nation and overseas. 

More than only a sporting occasion

While the regatta stays the focus, with a few of the world’s finest crews competing in spectacular Whitsundays situations, that is not at all every week only for sailors. 

Guests can wander the buzzing marina village, loosen up with a picnic on Catseye Beach, or bask in an array of ticketed occasions together with beachfront backyard events, superyacht cruises, wine masterclasses, world-class musical performances, and lengthy island lunches curated by a few of Australia’s most celebrated cooks all set towards the gorgeous backdrop of the Whitsundays.

For this year’s occasion, visitors can participate within the following actions:

• La Dolce Vita Lunch by the Sea with Will Cowper introduced by American Express (17 August): OTTO Brisbane’s Executive Chef brings his signature aptitude to an indulgent fashionable Italian lunch on the shores of Pebble Beach, qualia.
• Beachfront Garden Party at Catseye Beach (17 August): A sun-kissed afternoon of connoisseur grazing, reside music and stylish seaside vibes, starting with a glass of Piper Heidsieck champagne on arrival and views over the turquoise waters of Catseye Bay.
• Champagne Spectator Cruises aboard Superyacht Impulsive (17, 19 and 22 August): Front-row seats to the on-water motion aboard a 130-foot luxurious yacht, full with Champagne and canapés.
• An Italian Evening with Gin-Spired Cocktails introduced by Tanqueray (19 August): A spirited celebration of Italian coastal delicacies—served with a beneficiant splash of Tanqueray gin with a marina backdrop.
• The Ultimate Lay Day Beach Party at Whitehaven Beach aboard Impulsive (20 August): A playful day of snorkelling, connoisseur meals, floating slides, and barefoot enjoyable aboard Superyacht Impulsive on the world’s finest seashore.
• Lunch on the Greens at Hamilton Island Golf Club (21 August): A 3-course lengthy lunch, that includes seasonal native produce, high quality wine, reside tunes and unbelievable Dent Passage views.
• A Wine Masterclass with Larry Cherubino at Bommie (21 August): An unique wine tasting with considered one of Australia’s most celebrated winemakers, and a particular drop to take house.
• A Starlit Beachside Dinner with Alanna Sapwell-Stone and Larry Cherubino (21 August): A four-course coastal feast on Catseye Beach, paired with WHIPBIRD wines and storytelling by the winemaker himself.
• The Sundays Long Lunch with Josh Niland introduced by MECCA Cosmetica (22 August): A relaxed island-style lengthy lunch at The Sundays’ signature restaurant, Catseye Pool Club – the place considered one of Australia’s most influential cooks takes centre stage.

For these searching for the last word Race Week, qualia and new boutique lodge, The Sundays, provide unique curated experiences from non-public chef-led seashore lunches and candlelit degustations, to intimate performances, reminiscent of a particular look by internationally acclaimed soprano Amy Manford. 

Backed by distinctive companions

American Express’ vice-president of brand name, advertising and marketing, and member expertise Nasla Edwards mentioned of the sponsorship: “We’re thrilled to be the presenting accomplice for the 40th anniversary of Hamilton Island Race Week. American Express is devoted to providing our Card Members unique entry to premier occasions and we glance ahead to bringing our signature contact to this iconic regatta and week-long festivities.” 

The 2025 additionally welcomes new companions for race week which embrace Panerai and Balter, alongside the return of AV Partners, Mecca Cosmetica, Piper-Heidsieck, Tanqueray, Casamigos, Revo, Robert Oatley Wines, Sail Racing, Tourism and Events Queensland, and longstanding accomplice Nautilus Marine Insurance. 

Whether you are racing, stress-free, or elevating a glass, Hamilton Island Race Week 2025 is your invitation to commerce winter for heat seas, Champagne moments, and sun-soaked indulgence.