Wrapped up another fantastic Airlie Beach Race Week, and it was great to see so many of the Ullman Sails Whitsundays staff members out on the water. The regatta delivered everything we have come to expect: perfect Whitsunday conditions, plenty of colour across the bay, and a buzzing festival atmosphere every night.

The Whitsundays really turned it on this year. Sunshine, steady breezes and blue water made for an incredible week of sailing. Just looking at the pictures, you can tell it was some pretty cool racing out there.

Here is how the Whitsundays staff went:

• Paul Mitchell raced the Ullman Sails Extreme 40 and finished 2nd overall in Multihull Racing Div 1. A great effort in a very competitive fleet.
• Jesse Frisch had his first Race Week as skipper on his new Bethwaite S8xx “Kiss” and came away with 2nd in Sports Boat Div 1, not a bad debut.
• Joe Finch was crewing on Bohica (Leech 750). Despite some tough luck with a collision and later technical issues which forced two retirements, they still managed 7th in Sports Boat Div 1.
• Bill Trueman started the week on his Farrier F85sr “Frankie” but had to retire after race 1 due to mast problems. He did not let that stop him. He joined the crew on Trojan (Corsair 28R) and helped the team to 3rd in Multihull Racing Div 2.
• Rob Meizer crewed on Cutsnake (Stealth 12.7) for half the week, and the boat went on to take out 1st in Multihull Racing Div 1.

It was fantastic to see Ullman Sails Whitsundays represented across so many divisions, with the team not only competing but also landing on podiums.

Onshore, the Whitsunday Sailing Club put on another brilliant Festival of Sailing with live music every night, food stalls, and a great vibe around Airlie. It is such a good balance of serious racing and relaxed tropical fun, which is why this regatta is a favourite on the calendar.

photos Bronny Daniels