38TH AIRLIE BEACH RACE WEEK 2026
Competitors could not have wished for better conditions for the finale of Jeanneau Yachts Airlie Beach Race Week. The breeze returned with plenty of strength, reaching 25 knots with higher gusts under sunny Whitsunday skies. With sparkling waters and even whales making an appearance in Pioneer Bay, the scene was set for an exciting final Bay Race to decide the overall results.
RPAYC was well represented in Performance Cruising Division 2, with Matt Doyle’ s La Troisieme Mitemps securing an impressive second place overall. The RPAYC entry finished just two points behind local winner Charles Wallis’ Reignition, while Matthew Kingsberry’ s Amaya II completed the podium in third. Tony Hammond’ s Knot a Diamond finished the regatta on a high, claiming victory in the final race.
“ Good consistency, teamwork, preparation over the season and the boat is going pretty well,” Wallis said.“ The crew certainly enjoyed the week. It’ s a big event for them. We had 12 aboard today, which helped in the big conditions. And it was a good crew. We benefitted from new tidal information too!”
Airlie Beach Race Week was another fantastic showcase of RPAYC members competing on the national sailing stage. Congratulations to all our sailors who took part and represented the Club throughout the week.
We immensely enjoyed following their campaigns as many continued racing in Hamilton Island Race Week.
Photo credit: Andrea Francolini
ALFRED’ S MAGAZINE 2025-26 37