Hamilton Island Race Week 2017 to go ahead
Plans for a bigger Hamilton Island Race Week despite Cyclone Debbie's damageWhile the Whitsunday Islands region was devastated by Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie in late March, 2017, Audi Hamilton Island Race Week from August 19-26 will proceed with even bigger plans, organisers say.
The tropical island resort survived wind gusts above 180kmh (95 knots) for more than 12 hours. The strongest gust recorded from the Category 4 Cyclone, that of 263km/h (142 knots), hit the island on March 28.
The marina, boats and other infrastructure were damaged, but the rebuild is now in full swing and Hamilton Island’s CEO Glenn Bourke, who was speaking on behalf of the Oatley family who owns the resort island, said the mostly superficial damage would be repaired.
"Race Week will also provide the opportunity for everyone to see what a superb job our staff has done getting the island back to being operational. We have already welcomed our first guests back to Hamilton Island post Debbie, and by the time Race Week comes around in August we should be back to 100 per cent occupancy."
"Our Five Star destination, Qualia will have a two-month hiatus, not due to damage but because we have decided to bring forward a refurbishment program that was scheduled for July. Only four Qualia bungalows were impacted during the cyclone, so essentially we have 98 per cent of Hamilton Island’s hotel assets good to go," he said.
BIGGER RACE WEEK
Bourke said Race Week would be bigger and better than ever.
"We want to demonstrate our thanks to the many yachties who offered to come to the island and assist with our recovery effort, and those who have already shown their support via messages of encouragement or by lodging their entry for Race Week since Debbie struck.
"There is a unique bond between our loyal Audi Hamilton Island Race Week competitors, and this year we are hoping they will be with us in greater numbers than ever so we can show the world how resilient we are.
At the time of writing, nominations approached 80 for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2017 to be held from August 19 to 26. German luxury carmaker, Audi, is returning for the 12th year as principal sponsor.
More at www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au.
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