THE 35th ANNUAL Airlie Beach Race Week has not disappointed sailors despite an ‘ultra-light unsettled breeze’ on some days.
Participants have made note of the great camaraderie amongst competitors and have raved about the wonderful Whitsunday conditions.
Friday, August 11, 2023, saw a ‘spectacular mass start on a perfect day’ according to organisers.
“A mass start (today) for the fleet at Airlie Beach Race Week and ideal sailing conditions of up to 20 knots, as a gloomy sky developed into a sunny blue day, on Pioneer Bay,” a spokesperson said.
ABRW is hosted by the Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach.
Saturday, August 12, 2023, was a light breeze day with tide.
“Airlie Beach Race Week continued today in a light breeze on a typically balmy Whitsundays day, but all were kept on their toes as the tide played a big roll and found some stranded ashore for a time when they took things a little too far – Scarlet Runner, Rock ‘n Roll and Secret Weapon among them.
“Others avoided the problem, some of whom built their respective leads in the event, while new leaders emerged in other divisions.”
Sunday, August 13, meanwhile, was ‘too light and fluky for most’ with just four divisions racing.
“Another sunny, light air day for Airlie Beach Race Week on day three, with officials at Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) out searching for steady breeze, but struggled to get racing in.
“Just four divisions raced while the rest floated around and watched whales at play and took in the scenery.”
On another course area, the F16/F18s, Extreme 40s and Wetas sailed windward/leeward races and they went ahead. All other racing was cancelled, bar IRC/ORCi Division 1.
Monday, August 14, was a Lay Day, with visitors enjoying the sights of Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays.
As the Whitsunday News newspaper went to print, on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, organisers were again asking: Will conditions play ball on Day 4?
On Tuesday morning, organisers at Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) had displayed AP ashore with a 9.45am advising ‘No breeze on the racecourse’, and broadcast a further update at 10.45am stating ‘no change’.
At 11.30am, the decision was made to abandon racing for the day, with the exception of the trailable yachts and sports boats, Extreme 40s, F16/18s and the Weta Trimarans, when a further decision would be made at 12.30pm.
ABRW concludes on August 17. For full results in all classes visit: www.abrw.com.au.
