Charles Heidsieck Pops the Cork at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 22 August 2013 One of the most popular events on the Audi Hamilton Island Race Week calendar took place yesterday at luxury resort, qualia. The inaugural Charles Heidsieck Lunch was attended by hundreds of guests including Ronan Keating and girlfriend Storm Uechtritz. The glamorous pair were special guests of the Oatley family, and are enjoying some of the sailing action and Whitsundays sunshine. Business and sailing identities also attended the lunch. Delicious canapés were served on arrival, matched with Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve. A three-course, bespoke champagne lunch followed, created by Executive Chef, Alastair Waddell, and matched with fine Charles Heidsieck wines. Decked out in ‘Hampton’s’ dress theme, guests enjoyed an elegant menu of Bellota ham, apple and celeriac, miso and lime aioli to start matched with Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve. The main of Marron tail, baby gem lettuce, fennel preserve, tarragon was served with Charles Heidsieck Brut Millésimes 2000, followed by dessert of Rhubarb, yoghurt and ginger accompanied by Charles Heidsieck Rosé Reserve. More than 1,200 bottles of Charles Heidsieck NV and 400 bottles of Piper Heidsiek NV and Piper Rose Sauvage will be consumed by race goers throughout the week-long regatta, which runs until Saturday 24 August. Guests who missed out on a ticket to the lunch are still able to sample the Champagne House’s beautiful wines at the Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Bar on the Yacht Club’s Bommie Deck. Australia’s largest offshore yachting event, Audi Hamilton Island Race Week boasts superb sailing rivalry and a diverse schedule of glittering on shore events featuring celebrity chefs, fashion designers and famous faces. For more information visit www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au. - ENDS - Notes to editors: Media contacts and image library: www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au/media Sophie Baker, Senior Communications Manager e: sbaker@hamiltonisland.com.au t: +61 (0)438 442 323 Michelle Crowshaw, Trade Communications Manager e: mcrowshaw@hamiltonisland.com.au t: +61 (0)417 065 173 Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/raceweek. www.facebook.com/qualia and www.facebook.com/hamiltonisland Instagram: Connect with us: @hamiltonisland and @qualiaresort, Mention us: #AHIRW, #hamiltonisland, #qualia Twitter: www.twitter.com/hamiltonisland, www.twitter.com/qualia and www.twitter.com/raceweek Connect with us: @hamiltonisland, @qualia 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