2015 Hamilton Island Race Week gears up

While the number of entries for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2015 climbs towards the magical mark of 200, many of the competing crews are already planning their challenge for two impressive trophies any yacht can win.

This competition does not involve setting sails; it’s about setting creative minds free.

The Prix d’Elegance, which, in some cases, includes the not so elegant, is a contest that has been an integral part of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week since 2007. The concept makes for an entertaining challenge for the crews, and provides considerable entertainment for the spectators gathered on the Flag Deck at Hamilton Island Yacht Club.

There are two categories for the judges to consider:
>> The Best Presented Yacht: The yacht is perfectly presented and the crew in matching uniforms lining the deck. Yachts can be subtly themed.
>> The Best Themed Yacht: He we have had political satire, tropical island settings, bubble baths and even the late Michael Jackson as themes for this section category.

This year the Prix d’Elegance will be staged on Friday, August 21. The one small change in the program this time is that the judging period will not be open-ended: the judges will be on station at the yacht club for the parade of yachts between 0900hrs and 1000hrs. This timing means all crews will have ample opportunity to be judged, and then reach their respective start lines in time for racing that day.

Each category winner will be presented with their trophy at Race Week’s gala prize-giving dinner on Saturday, August 22.

There is no doubt one of the leading contenders in the “Best Themed” category will be two-time winner, Holy Cow, owned by Race Week stalwarts, John and Kim Clinton.

Over the years the Clintons and crew have gone to great lengths to claim the trophy, two of their most noteworthy themes being “Fifty Shades of Green”, and a clever spoof on Clive Palmer’s political party where they announced the formation of “The Holy Cow Party”.

"The Prix d’Elegance is a wonderful, fun part of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week that everyone enjoys," said the regatta’s Race Director, Denis Thompson. "We are amazed each year by the lengths the crews go to in their endeavours to be declared the winners and take home the trophies."

On the racing front, Thompson said he was impressed by the continuing upward trend in entries for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2015, which will be staged from August 15 to 22.

"It appears we are destined to see a fleet close to 200," he said. "This figure confirms yet again that Race Week is Australia’s premier offshore regatta, one where the sailors are continuing to enjoy the ultimate experience while racing around uninhabited tropical islands in warm weather, and the best possible onshore, post-race fun."

Entries for this year’s Race Week entries close August 2. The acceptance of any late entries after that date will be at the discretion of the Race Committee.

All information relating to Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2015, including the Notice of Race and online entry, is on the regatta website. See http://www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au.