Key Facts:
- 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
