It’s just one month to the start gun for the Vision Surveys 25^th Airlie Beach Race Week being held from the 8^th to 15^th August. 

Event organisers Whitsunday Sailing Club have reported the entry numbers are roaring along ahead of last year’s numbers. Eighty-one entries have been received so far and many more are to come by the time of the official close of entries date on 1^st August. The race committee have the option of course to accept further entries, but an additional fee will be attached to any late entry. 

This year there are nine divisions to choose from – IRC Racing, One Design Classes, IRC Cruising, Performance Racing, Cruising Spinnaker, Cruising Non-Spinnaker, Sports Boats, Multihull Racing and Multihull Cruising. 

The race committee are in place with Denis Thompson in the role of Regatta Director. He will be ably assisted by International Race Officers Ross Chisholm, Ross Wilson and Kevin Wilson along with a large group of on-water and onshore volunteers. 

The performance handicapping will be done by the Brisbane-based Ian Davis. He is a highly experienced offshore sailor, accredited IRC Measurer and member of Yachting Queensland’s Racing Rules and Offshore committees.   

The results will be processed by Top Yacht’s Rod McCubbin who will be working on site in the Race Office. 

Competitors are encouraged to pack their tropical shirts, loud shorts, party hats and dance shoes for the 25^th Birthday Party celebrations on Monday 11^th August. 

All the daily race day prize giving and great parties will be as usual held at the Whitsunday Sailing Club. Buses will save the sailors from having to walk the short distance to the parties. The club will regularly run the transit service from Abell Point Marina to the club on all race days. 

There is still time to book in for the regatta and sailing party of the year. Entries close Friday 1^st August 2014. 

All details on this year’s Vision Surveys Airlie Beach Race Week is at www.abrw.com.au.