2008 Airlie Beach Race Week

A highlight in the sailing calendar, the 2008 Airlie Beach Race Week promises to attract major international awareness for Airlie Beach and the friendly tropical sailing playground of the Whitsunday Islands.

Entries are already flooding in and organisers believe interest this early suggests a very competitive fleet will be on the start line come August.

Geoff Pearson, owner of Arajilla will be back to defend his title after winning the IRC class title last year.

It won't be easy against some of the best boats and skippers in the nation, including former Sydney to Hobart winner Bob Steel and his TP52 Quest. Another TP52 to look out for is Cougar II (Alan Whiteley).

Others destined to fight it out the top prize will be the likes of Sydney skipper Ray Roberts in Quantum Racing and NZ's Rob Bassett on Wired.

Those back in the IRC Cruising division include WA's John Moore with This Way Up and Victorian Garry Anderson in Esprit.

Skipper of Farr 40 Night Nurse, Meridien managing director and one of the race organisers, Russell McCart, said although many would be back to Race Week there would definitely be a number of new entrants.

"The 2008 Airlie Beach Race Week will be a larger and more competitive field than previous years," said McCart.

"Word's out that we've made some major changes. We're making improvements to the marina, the facilities, the racing and entertainment. We're giving the international Meridien Marina's Airlie Beach Raceweek a major facelift," he said.

Race Week will have a revised race format, introducing new courses to the competition.

"We promise a challenging week of racing." said McCart.

For more info, phone Denis Thompson on 0417 686 649 or visit www.airliebeachraceweek.com.au