Momentum is building for Abell Point Marina Airlie Beach Race Week 2013 with the number of entries for the seven-day regatta reaching a grand 50 last week.

In 2012, a total of 120 boats entered the signature sailing event with this year’s regatta set to equal and surpass last year’s numbers.

With Abell Point Marina recently under new ownership and coming on board as the event naming rights sponsor, this year’s regatta is attracting a big mix of new competitors as well as past participants. 

The great news for this year’s regatta is the inclusion of the Australian Multihull Championships, which highlights the commitment of the event to grow and diversify as an iconic sailing regatta within the Queensland’s Season of Sailing.

Whitsunday Sailing Club Commodore and Event Chairman Rob Davis said a large number of competitors have entered the regatta in the last few days.

“This surge of entries is great to see, and the current competition we are running to win free berthing at Abell Point Marina for the duration of race week has got sailors talking,” Mr Davis said.

“We are promising another fun, tropical regatta in August and the event continues to grow with the 25th anniversary of race week next year,” he said.

Along with six full days of action out on the water, the social schedule is set to light up the evenings providing the perfect atmosphere to share highlights of the day and catch up with old friends. 

Everyone is encouraged to get in early to be part of the fun and excitement of this year’s race week and go into the draw to win free berthing at Abell Point Marina from 9 – 16th August.