The Whitsunday Sailing Club offers a diverse offshore racing calendar, featuring weekend races held approximately twice a month throughout the year. Our racing calendar includes different courses, such as long and short offshore races, bay races, and major series races for both cruising and racing yachts, ensuring an exciting and varied racing experience.

Races are generally conducted in three divisions, depending on the number of entries. The race committee will allocate each boat to a division. Division 1 is for offshore multihull yachts, including various catamarans and trimarans. Division 2 is designated for the club’s faster racing yachts. Division 3 is typically more suitable for trailerable yachts and cruising-type yachts. These divisions are designed to promote fair competition and accommodate the different capabilities and characteristics of the boats.

For most series, boats are required to comply with Category 5 of Australian Sailing’s Special Regulations. Some offshore races may require boats to meet Category 4 standards. Specific details can be found in the relevant event’s Notice of Race.

Twilight Racing Every Wednesday

If you are new to Airlie Beach or would like to become a crew member on one of our yachts for Twilight races or weekend races, you are always welcome at the club. Please come down to the club around 3:00 PM on a Wednesday afternoon. Note that there are limited spots available, so be sure to arrive early.

Club Championship

The title of Club Champion is awarded annually to the boat that performs the best in each division, based on a nine-race series conducted over three weekends, typically spread throughout the season. Results are calculated using a fixed handicap or a rating system. The Club Championship is a prestigious event that encourages consistent performance throughout the season.

Challengers Cup

The Challengers Cup is a six-race series held on Sundays throughout the season. Challengers Cup races are usually bay races lasting approximately two hours.

Offshore Series

The Offshore Series consists of up to nine races conducted throughout the year. These races generally last longer and take place around some of the many islands in the Whitsundays.

Summer and Winter Series

Weekend club racing is divided into a Summer Series (January to June) and a Winter Series (July to December).

The Whitsunday Sailing Club hosts and participates in an exciting array of cruising events that navigate the stunning waters of the Whitsundays. Whether you're looking to explore hidden coves or soak up the sun on deck, these events promise unforgettable adventures in one of the world's most picturesque sailing destinations!

Inter-Club Events

Throughout the year, various events are organised in collaboration with neighbouring clubs, including the Mackay Sailing Club, the Cruising Yacht Club of Hamilton Island, and the North Queensland Cruising Yacht Club.

Cruise Rallies

The club's program includes regular, non-competitive cruise rallies for both non-racing and racing boats. These rallies are perfect for families or groups who wish to sail together to one of the many beautiful destinations in the Whitsundays.

Airlie Beach Race Week

The Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing (ABRW) is recognised nationwide in Australia as an exciting and dynamic week of activities. It features six days of offshore yacht racing accompanied by seven nights of social events and entertainment. For more information about Airlie Beach Race Week, please visit www.abrw.com.au.