Combined events spark celebrations in Airlie Beach

Mixing fun and serious sailing at Airlie Beach Race Week
(Shirley Wodson Photography)

The official launch of Abell Point Marina Airlie Beach Race Week tomorrow, Friday, July 26 will spark the beginning of an event-filled month in August.

Event organisers of Abell Point Marina Airlie Beach Race Week, the Whitsunday Reef Festival and the Great Whitsunday Fun Race are all anticipating a huge month this August with all three events occurring within the same week.

And, with the Reef Festival hosting the official opening of the new Airlie Beach Main Street, the entire community is expected to join in the celebrations.

The launch of Abell Point Marina Airlie Beach Race Week tomorrow will mark the countdown to the biggest keelboat regatta on Queensland’s mainland, running from August 9-16.

Abell Point Marina Airlie Beach Race Week Event Chairman Rob Davis said everyone is feeling the anticipation and excitement of all three events.

“The month will be refreshing for the entire Whitsunday community and we hope everyone joins in the fun – or, just come down to watch the festivities take place,” Mr Davis said.

‘We are also excited that the sailing club’s popular Great Whitsunday Fun Race is tagged onto the end of Abell Point Marina Airlie Beach Race Week and features in the middle of the reef festival,” he said.

Meanwhile, Whitsunday Reef Festival Chairperson Margie Murphy said the entire committee will be bringing a top festival this year, running from August 15-18.

“The Whitsunday Reef Festival committee is excited to be bringing you arguably the biggest event ever to hit the streets of Airlie Beach. This year the festival incorporates a two-day street party to celebrate the unveiling of our new-look Airlie Beach Main Street,” Ms Murphy said.

“A state-of-the-art stage right in the middle of the street will host some of Australia’s top artists including Timomatic who will follow on from the Porters Friday Night Fireworks – itself an iconic annual event on Airlie’s calendar,” she said.

The entire region will see the action in August with the Shag Island Cruising Yacht Club ‘Vice Commodore’ Rendezvous at Montes Reef Resort and Hamilton Island Race Week also held throughout the month.

To read more about the events, visit www.airlieraceweek.com and www.whitsundayreeffestival.com.au