Join the race crew for an iconic regatta
Airlie Beach Race Week is the ultimate mix of spectacular island racing and lively evenings ashore. Run out of Whitsunday Sailing Club, the regatta features six races over seven days, including a mid-week lay-day to relax, explore, or enjoy the festivities. With 120–150 yachts competing in turquoise waters teeming with whales, turtles, and dolphins, it’s one of our all-time favourite events.
Step aboard Awen, our high-performance IMOCA Open 60 and former round-the-world racing yacht, for a week of high-adrenaline sailing and unforgettable camaraderie. After our 1st place overall in our division (on Magic Miles) at Hamilton Island Race 2024 and 3rd overall in our division at Airlie Beach Race Week 2025, we're back and ready for more excitement at Airlie Beach Race Week 2026.
Race aboard an iconic IMOCA 60
Join the crew on Awen, a former round-the-world Open 60 yacht, designed for speed and built for offshore performance.
Sail in one of Australia’s top regattas
Compete in six high-adrenaline races over seven days around the beautiful Whitsunday Islands, with vibrant sailing conditions and scenic island backdrops.
Relax on lay day in tropical paradise
Enjoy a fun-filled break mid-regatta with time to explore Airlie Beach, swim in turquoise bays, or just unwind with fellow sailors.
Marine life at every turn
Spot whales, turtles, and dolphins as you race through the clear waters of the Coral Sea.
Onshore camaraderie and race village buzz
Experience the nightly socials, dockside chats, and celebratory vibe of Airlie’s buzzing race village.
Train and race like a pro
Learn how to sail an IMOCA Open 60, and be part of a high-performance team whether you're a first-timer or experienced racer.
Build on podium success
After 3rd place in our division in 2025, we’re back and racing hard for more podium glory in 2026.
Take on your dedicated crew role onboard and master your area of responsibility and how you interact and communicate with the race crew.
Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route for each days race course.
Navigating around rocks, reefs and islands , hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.
Crew planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.
Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.
Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.
Planning our daily course around weather, islands, big 3-4m tides and the island effect on wind strength and direction.
Master your sail trimming onboard a high performance yacht. There will be plenty of hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, asymmetric kites, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather).
Use of PDF’s (Personal Flotation Devices), PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons), safety tethers, dan buoy’s, storm drogue, liferaft and any other equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions.
Step aboard Awen, a high-performance ocean-going yacht built for adventure, discovery, and unforgettable sailing experiences. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of offshore passages, island-hopping through remote archipelagos, or enjoying sunset sails with a like-minded crew, Awen offers the perfect blend of speed, adventure and capability. With experienced skippers, hands-on sailing opportunities, and ever-changing seascapes, every journey on Awen is a chance to disconnect from the ordinary and reconnect with nature, adventure, and yourself.
4 Aug 2026
Arrive at Proserpine Airport
Arrive at the vessel at Airlie Beach by 2pm
5 - 6 Aug 2026
Crew training and safety familiarisation
Regatta registration
7 - 13 Aug 2026
Racing 7 - 9 August
Lay day on day 10 August
Racing 11 - 13 August
14 Aug 2026
Depart Proserpine Airport
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, refreshments onboard after racing, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, race entry fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device) and a safety tether.
Exclusions
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, meals ashore at restaurants other than official crew dinners, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. It’s always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility in case of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not available onboard, while in port during a regatta, due to the sparse nature of the race yacht fit out, lack of ventilation and lack of amenities onboard.
We provide optional regatta accommodation packages, that include transport (to and from marina) and in-house meals packages for our crew.
You can purchase as an add on item during the booking process, or closer to the event.
You can also arrange your own accommodation ashore: Options: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.
Best suited to agile, people with moderate fitness and ideally a maximum weight of 110kg. Full training is provided
Book and pay
Click Book Now button above to secure your place. Choose from Pay in Full or deposit options. Direct debit from bank account, debit card or credit card options available. Pay in the currency of your choice.
Personalise your payment plan
If you want to set up a payment plan, contact us here and let us know your desired deposit (minimum 10% required) and your preferred payment. You can make up to 18 payments, for the balance. You can choose the frequency and customise each payment amount.
Not ready to pay, but want to secure your place?
Reserve your place onboard today, with no obligation. We’ll send the confirmation details, itinerary, deposit invoice and be sure to answer all your questions, while you finalise your plans before confirming. Reserve here.
100% cancellation guarantee
If you book and then cancel prior to an event, for any reason, 100% of your payment will be issued as a credit, that you can apply to any future event/s. For a full refund of sailing trip, flights and hotel costs, we recommend travel insurance. View Terms & Conditions.