- Hamilton Island Race Week 2026 will run from 15–22 August in the Whitsundays, now in its 41st year, with over 170 entries already registered for Australia's premier offshore sailing regatta.
- The diverse fleet ranges from the 100-foot maxi yacht Wild Thing 100 to a 6.9-metre Sonata 7, with international competitors including Hong Kong yachtsman Karl Kwok bringing his yacht Beau Ideal to the Super 40 division.
- The 2026 social programme includes headline events such as a long lunch with chefs Josh Niland and Khanh Ong, a conversation with Olympic silver medallist Olivia Price, a Kylie Minogue Wines Garden Party, and spectator cruises aboard superyacht Rascal.
- American Express returns as Presenting Partner, with new sponsors joining for 2026 including Volvo Cars as Official Automotive Partner and Ahoy Club as Official Superyacht Partner, alongside Kylie Minogue Wines and Saya Skincare.
- Tickets, event experiences, and accommodation packages — ranging from Reef View Hotel to the luxury retreat qualia — are available at hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au, with a Winter Warmer discount offer available on selected stays.
Hamilton Island Race Week, proudly presented by American Express, has today opened ticket sales and unveiled its 2026 social program, with the fleet already topping 170 entries for Australia's premier offshore sailing regatta.
Now in its 41st year, Hamilton Island Race Week will return to the Whitsundays from 15–22 August 2026, bringing together world-class sailing, acclaimed chefs, Olympic athletes and premium lifestyle brands against the spectacular backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef.
From high performance racing yachts and international competitors to social sailors and first-time participants, the event continues to attract one of the most diverse fleets in Australian sailing.
Exceptional Racing Across Every Division
The 2026 fleet showcases the breadth and competitiveness that has become synonymous with Hamilton Island Race Week.
Among the entries are Wild Thing 100, the iconic 100-foot maxi yacht co-owned by Grant Wharington and Adrian Seiffert, alongside Aquila, a 6.9-metre Sonata 7, demonstrating the extraordinary range of boats competing across the regatta.
Renowned Hong Kong yachtsman Karl Kwok will also bring Beau Ideal to the highly anticipated Super 40 division, further strengthening international participation.
Hamilton Island Chief Operating Officer Renae Trimble said the strong early entries demonstrated the continued appeal of the event.
"Hamilton Island Race Week continues to attract sailors, spectators and holidaymakers from across Australia and around the world.”
"With more than 170 boats already entered and tickets to the onshore program now on sale, we're looking forward to welcoming competitors, spectators and holidaymakers back to Hamilton Island for another memorable Race Week this August."
2026 Social Program Announced
While the racing remains at the heart of the event, Hamilton Island Race Week has evolved into one of Australia's most sought-after sporting and lifestyle experiences, with a week-long calendar of dining, entertainment and exclusive events. Highlights of the 2026 program, include:
- Long Lunch with Josh Niland and Khanh Ong presented by American Express at Niland's Catseye Pool Club
- In Conversation with Olympic silver medallist Olivia Price and America's Cup sailor Cole Tapper at Bommie Restaurant
- The Kylie Minogue Wines Garden Party at Beach Pavilion
- The Tanqueray Supper Club at Romano's
- The Race Day Long Lunch on the Keel Deck
- Spectator Cruises on Superyacht Rascal
American Express Returns and New Brands Join the Line-Up
American Express returns as Presenting Partner for 2026, joined by new and returning sponsors whose involvement reflects Hamilton Island Race Week's unique position at the intersection of sport, travel and lifestyle.
Naysla Edwards, Vice President of Brand, Marketing and Member Experience for American Express, said: "Hamilton Island Race Week combines sailing, travel, dining and entertainment in a way few Australian events can. We're proud to return as Presenting Partner of Hamilton Island Race Week and look forward to creating memorable experiences for our Card Members throughout the week.”
New partners for 2026 include Official Automotive Partner Volvo Cars, Official Superyacht Partner Ahoy Club, Saya Skincare and Kylie Minogue Wines.
Volvo Cars will showcase its commitment to innovation, performance and sustainable mobility throughout the event, with two of its flagship electric vehicle models available for guest transfers and on display within the Hamilton Island Marina precinct, providing competitors and visitors the opportunity to experience Volvo's latest generation of luxury electric motoring.
Joining Hamilton Island Race Week as Official Superyacht Partner, Ahoy Club brings its globally recognised expertise in luxury yacht charter, brokerage and management to the event. As part of the partnership, Ahoy Club will provide the impressive Superyacht Rascal for Hamilton Island Race Week's spectator cruises, offering guests a premium on-water experience and unrivalled views of the racing action in Dent Passage and around the Whitsunday Islands.
Trimble said Race Week plays an important role in driving visitation to the region,
supporting local tourism operators and showcasing the Whitsundays to a national and international audience.
“We’re delighted to welcome new and returning sponsors who will boost both the competitor and guest experience on and off the water. The 2026 program reflects everything that makes the event special: exceptional sailing, memorable dining experiences and the opportunity to experience the Whitsundays at their very best.”
Hamilton Island Race Week On Shore Event Tickets
Tickets, event experiences and accommodation packages are available at: hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au/on-shore-events
Book Your Race Week Stay
Hamilton Island offers a wide range of accommodation during Race Week, including Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows, self-catering holiday homes and apartments, boutique hotels The Sundays and Beach Club, and the private luxury retreat qualia.
Winter Warmer Offer
Stay 3 or more nights and save 20% at Reef View Hotel and Palm Bungalows.
Stay 3 or more nights and save 15% at Beach Club and The Sundays.
Offer ends 4pm AEST, Friday 28 August 2026. Valid for stays at select hotels until 31 August 2026.
*Conditions and minimum
For more information or to make a booking visit: hamiltonisland.com.au/winter-warmer
The Race Week Residency at qualia
Three-night Race Week Residency packages are available from 14–17 August or 15–18 August 2026, including a stay in a private pavilion, exclusive access to The Race Week Residency featuring Pascal Barbot, Lennox Hastie and Margot McKinney, and time on the water aboard superyacht Rascal.
For more information and bookings visit: qualia.com.au/events/race-week/
Event Partners
Hamilton Island Race Week 2026 is proudly supported by Presenting Partner American Express, alongside Volvo Cars, Nautilus Marine Insurance, Ahoy Club, Balter, Casamigos, Tanqueray, Charles Heidsieck, Piper-Heidsieck, Dufour, Kylie Minogue Wines, REVO, Robert Oatley Wines, Sail Racing, Saya Skincare, Panerai, AVPartners and Tourism and Events Queensland.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Hamilton Island Race Week
Hamilton Island Race Week 2026 will be held from 15–22 August 2026.
Hamilton Island Race Week is Australia’s premier offshore sailing regatta and has been a highlight of the national sailing calendar for more than four decades.
Attracting more than 200 yachts and crews from across Australia and around the world, the regatta was established in 1984 and is renowned for its challenging racing, spectacular Whitsundays setting and vibrant week-long program of onshore events, dining and celebrations in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
About Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is Australia’s tropical island in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, easily accessible by direct flights from major east coast cities in under 3 hours. The island features a wide range of accommodation, from family-friendly apartments to luxurious stays at private retreat qualia and boutique hotel The Sundays. Guests can enjoy two island spas, a championship golf course on its own island, over 20 restaurants and bars, and more than 60 activities and experiences, including tours to world-famous Whitehaven Beach and the iconic Heart Reef.
The island also boasts a year-round calendar of world-class events. Highlights include the Hamilton Island Endurance Series, as well as Pas de Deux in Paradise, a bi-ennial collaboration with The Australian Ballet at Pebble Beach, qualia. There's always something exciting to look forward to on Hamilton Island.
About American Express
American Express (NYSE: AXP) is a global payments and premium lifestyle brand powered by technology. Our colleagues around the world back our customers with differentiated products, services and experiences that enrich lives and build business success.
Founded in 1850 and headquartered in New York, American Express’ brand is built on trust, security, service and a rich history of delivering innovation and Membership value for our customers. We seek to provide the world’s best customer experience every day to a broad range of consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, and large corporations, and we build and manage relationships with millions of merchants across our global network.
For more information about American Express, visit americanexpress.com, americanexpress.com/en-us/newsroom/, and ir.americanexpress.com.
About Volvo Cars
Since 1927 Volvo have helped save over a million lives by sharing their patent for the three-point safety belt. It's their ambition to save millions more.
Volvo aim to be pioneers in protecting people and the planet by working towards net zero, embracing the circular economy and improving people's lives.
The Volvo Cars line up offers style, effortless luxury, safety and innovation built into each and every model. Offering petrol, plug-in hybrid or fully electric cars.
About Ahoy Club
Ahoy Club is a global superyacht company built by the Malouf family, yacht owners with first-hand expertise and a genuine passion for every aspect of the superyacht world. From charters in the world's most sought-after cruising destinations to yacht sales, management, and landmark refits, Ahoy Club offers the full spectrum of superyacht services under one roof. With a portfolio that includes some of the world's most iconic yachts, the company has established itself as one of the world's leading luxury superyacht brands. For more information, visit ahoyclub.com.
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Contact details:
Caroline Denyer
Group Communications Manager
Hamilton Island
T: 0433 995 947
