Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2014 19 May 2014 Hosted on Hamilton Island, located at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the upcoming Audi Hamilton Island Race Week (16 - 23 August) is set to be once again the largest offshore yachting regatta in the southern hemisphere and the not-to-be-missed event on the international sailing calendar. The event’s beautiful Whitsundays’ courses attract the sailing elite, and caters for the full spectrum of keelboats – from non-spinnaker cruising yachts through to Grand Prix level racers. Keeping not only the sailors and their family and friends returning year after year, but also attracting travellers in search of a unique winter getaway, is the impressive shore-side social calendar. Over the past three decades, the event has evolved into a spectacular display of on-water racing, paired with the finest epicurean cuisine, glamorous parties, exclusive fashion shows, flowing champagne and celebrity guests. Annual special events not to be missed include the hugely popular Charles-Heidsieck Champagne Lunch where guests dine on a bespoke menu matched with fine Charles-Heidsieck wines; delectable brunches and lunches presented by Audi ambassadors and iconic Australian chefs Matt Moran, Kylie Kwong and Shannon Bennett; and the Paspaley Pearl Luncheon featuring a glorious feast served on the sands of Pebble Beach, qualia plus many more. Hamilton Island custodian, Sandy Oatley believes sailing remains at the heart of the destination saying: “Each Race Week we strive for excellence and always have an expert team in place – from our CEO of Hamilton Island, Glenn Bourke, who is a twice sailing Olympian and previously named Australian Yachtsman of the Year, to all our energetic staff members at Hamilton Island who work tirelessly to create a memorable event for the yachties and spectators alike. “Audi Hamilton Island Race Week is my favourite time to visit the island, the atmosphere is magic, there’s a wonderful sense of camaraderie and was one of the reasons my family decided to buy Hamilton Island in the first place,” said Mr Sandy Oatley. The majority of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week activity revolves around the iconic Whitsundays landmark; the Hamilton Island Yacht Club – an iconic architectural design by Walter Barda and the official Challenger of Record for the 35th America's Cup. America’s Cup legend Tom Ehman summing up the event perfectly: “Hamilton Island Race Week is the best kept secret in the world of yachting. The organisers of any major race week should look at how Hamilton Island makes this more than a sailing event: it’s also a social and cultural happening. Through resources, imagination and hard work it has really come into its own.” To book accommodation or for more information on Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, please visit www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au or www.hamiltonisland.com.au ENDS - Notes to editors: Media Centre: www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au/media On-Water Image Gallery: http://gallery.hamiltonisland.com.au/sets/24be0e24219651fa5b5606c3b84a2759/ Media contacts Sophie Baker, Senior Communications Manager e: sbaker@hamiltonisland.com.au t: +61 (0)438 442 323 Gemma Christie, Communications Manager e: gchristie@hamiltonisland.com.au t: +61 (0)401 219 332 Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/raceweek Instagram: Connect with us: @hamiltonisland, Mention us: #AHIRW, #hamiltonisland Twitter: www.twitter.com/hamiltonisland and www.twitter.com/raceweek Connect with us: @hamiltonisland and @raceweek, Mention us: #AHIRW Audi Hamilton Island Race Week is Australia’s largest offshore yachting regatta and the not-to-be-missed event on the international sailing calendar. Each year the regatta attracts skilled yachtsmen from around the world including New Zealand, Europe, Asia and America. The superb sailing rivalry is enhanced by a diverse on shore social schedule of celebrity chefs, fashion shows, exquisite jewels and glamorous parties. Audi is the title sponsor of Hamilton Island Race Week. The German luxury carmaker is now in its eighth year as sponsor of this leading regatta. For full details visit www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au