Hamilton Island Race Week: Prix d’Elegance Celebration of Sailing Excellence
Experience the Hamilton Island Race Week Prix d’Elegance – Celebrating All Styles and Sizes
17-24 August 2024
Day four of racing kicked off with flair during the Hamilton Island Race Week Prix d’Elegance. Sailors showcased their uniforms and creativity, competing for awards in two categories: ‘Best Presented’ and ‘Best Themed’. Winners will be announced this Saturday at the prize-giving ceremony.
As Hamilton Island Race Week nears the end, the diversity of the fleet is impressive. From towering 100ft Maxis to compact 20ft Sonatas, there’s something for everyone. Friends Hugh Alexander and Greg Goodall are among the Trailable Division sailors who journeyed by road and sea to take part in this 39th Edition.
“We drove our boats from Victoria, bringing three trailer yachts from Bendigo, two from South Australia, and one from Melbourne,” Alexander explained. “We launched from Mackay and hopped through the southern Whitsunday Islands before arriving here for Hamilton Island Race Week.”
This journey began during the Covid pandemic, initially postponed until 2022. It marks a return for this group of Sonata sailors, eager to enjoy their second experience at the event. “After such a fantastic time last year, we decided to do it again. From here, we’ll likely cruise the islands around Hamilton,” Goodall shared.
Goodall has attended the Hamilton Island Race Week six times, stating, “Sailing a Trailerable feels like flying a small plane compared to getting on a jumbo jet.” He encourages others to join in, noting that participants don’t need a massive yacht to take part. Their fleet includes vessels ranging from Sonata 7s to a Southern Cross 23, further exemplifying that any size yacht can participate.
“There are many boats in the Trailable division, ranging from 22ft to 30ft. While they may seem small next to giants like Wild Oats X and Wild Thing 100, it’s exhilarating to watch them zoom past,” Goodall expressed. Alexander added, “It’s awe-inspiring, and perhaps one day, we’ll get a chance to join one of those big boats.”
As conditions evolved, trade winds and strong tides posed challenges for sailors and race organizers alike. Nevertheless, the organizing team excelled in ensuring that every division enjoyed optimal racing conditions on the water. Rating Divisions 1, 2, and 3 completed two short courses on the Eastern Passage course area.
In IRC Rating Division 1, Duncan Hine’s Alive maintained its winning streak by claiming victory in both races, propelling them to the top of the overall standings. In IRC Rating Division 2, Hooligan, skippered by Marcus Blackmore, captured victory in race four. Matador, led by David Doherty, narrowly missed by just one second but redeemed themselves in race five, securing the win and maintaining their lead overall. Gordon Ketelbey’s Zen continued to impress with two third-place finishes.
Bruce McCraken’s Ikon marked another successful day with two race wins, placing them four points ahead in the Rating Division 3 standings. Meanwhile, Garth Riley’s Wazza Red Boat, Ian Box’s ToyBox2, and Joel Skelton’s Nocleks remained in contention for minor placings in the IRC.
The Super 40 division witnessed Team Hollywood, helmed by Ray Roberts, maintain a perfect scorecard, achieving both the line and IRC win and securing a commanding lead on the IRC leaderboard. Billy Leonard’s Secret Weapon finished second, advancing to third overall on IRC.
The Cape 31’s sub-division within the Super 40s is led by Kukukerchu, although they narrowly lost a hat trick to Game On 31, skippered by Julian Newton, by just 24 seconds. The Cape 31 class is concurrently contesting their Australian Championships at Hamilton Island Race Week, adding excitement to the one-design racing.
In the Hamilton Island Multihull Black Division, Storm Bay, under Marc Gerard’s command, climbed to first place overall after securing third in today’s race. Mick Hodgins’ Tao maintained dominance in the Multihull White Division, winning again to hold their overall lead.
In the Hamilton Island Blue Division, Gin and Tonic, skippered by Mitch White, retained their lead. However, Brian Pozzey’s Green Beacon White Swan made a remarkable leap up the leaderboard, winning their first race of the regatta by an impressive 13 minutes on corrected time after struggling earlier in the week.
A new contender emerged in the Hamilton Island Fluro Yellow Division, with Carla M, led by Mark Michalowsky, taking first place overall after finishing third in today’s race. Gary Davison’s Solaire achieved a significant win, propelling them to first in the Hamilton Island Orange Division leaderboard.
In the Hamilton Island Pink Division, Charm Offensive, helmed by Tim Lewis, ascended to the top position after placing second in today’s race behind Wayne Arnold’s Seaward’s Cyan Moon. Despite not having their best day, Tom Vujasinovic’s Masquerade continues to lead the Trailable Yachts Division. Similarly, Bigger Day Out, skippered by Remco Pen, remains the overall leader of the Non-Spinnaker Division despite not finishing within the top ten today.
Ava Thompson, a skilled sailor and marine journalist from Auckland, has developed a deep connection to the ocean that guides her work. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Auckland, Ava is known for her engaging and detailed storytelling. Her writing brings to life the thrill of sailing and the unique maritime culture of New Zealand, earning her recognition in the sailing community. Outside of her journalism, Ava enjoys exploring the rugged coastlines of New Zealand and competing in local regattas, always in search of her next seafaring adventure.