Hamilton Island Race Week celebrates 40 years this August – marking four decades of world-class sailing, exceptional food and wine, and sun-soaked revelry on Australia's tropical island. 

Presented for the first time by American Express, the 2025 regatta runs from 16 - 23 August with a lineup of unmissable world-class experiences and events on water and on shore. American Express Centurion and Platinum Card Members can also enjoy exclusive access to elevated hospitality across the week.

What began as a niche offshore sailing regatta in 1984 has evolved into a week-long festival of sport, style and island culture - attracting crews, chefs, celebrities, and spectators from around the country and abroad. 

While the regatta remains the focal point—with some of the world's best crews competing in spectacular Whitsundays conditions—this is by no means a week just for sailors. Guests can wander the buzzing marina village, relax with a picnic on Catseye Beach, or indulge in an array of ticketed events including beachfront garden parties, superyacht cruises, wine masterclasses, world-class musical performances, and long island lunches curated by some of Australia's most celebrated chefs—all set against the stunning backdrop of the Whitsundays.

Nick Dowling, CEO of Hamilton Island, says: 

“Race Week's 40th anniversary is a landmark moment. What began as a simple sailing competition has become a spectacle of sail racing, culinary excellence, and island fun. It's not just about sailing the most picturesque course in the world – it's about celebrating everything that makes Hamilton Island so special - world-class experiences, a vibrant food and wine scene, and the incredible atmosphere and camaraderie that events like Race Week bring to the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef.” 

Event Highlights Include: 

• La Dolce Vita Lunch by the Sea with Will Cowper presented by American Express (17 August): OTTO Brisbane's Executive Chef brings his signature flair to an indulgent modern Italian lunch on the shores of Pebble Beach, qualia.
• Beachfront Garden Party at Catseye Beach (17 August): A sun-kissed afternoon of gourmet grazing, live music and chic seaside vibes, beginning with a glass of Piper Heidsieck champagne on arrival and views over the turquoise waters of Catseye Bay.
• Champagne Spectator Cruises aboard Superyacht Impulsive (17, 19 and 22 August): Front-row seats to the on-water action aboard a 130-foot luxury yacht, complete with Champagne and canapés.
• An Italian Evening with Gin-Spired Cocktails presented by Tanqueray (19 August): A spirited celebration of Italian coastal cuisine—served with a generous splash of Tanqueray gin with a marina backdrop.
• The Ultimate Lay Day Beach Party at Whitehaven Beach aboard Impulsive (20 August): A playful day of snorkelling, gourmet food, floating slides, and barefoot fun aboard Superyacht Impulsive at the world's best beach.
• Lunch on the Greens at Hamilton Island Golf Club (21 August): A three-course long lunch, featuring seasonal local produce, fine wine, live tunes and incredible Dent Passage views.
• A Wine Masterclass with Larry Cherubino at Bommie (21 August): An exclusive wine tasting with one of Australia's most celebrated winemakers, and a special drop to take home.
• A Starlit Beachside Dinner with Alanna Sapwell-Stone and Larry Cherubino (21 August): A four-course coastal feast on Catseye Beach, paired with WHIPBIRD wines and storytelling by the winemaker himself.
• The Sundays Long Lunch with Josh Niland presented by MECCA Cosmetica (22 August): A relaxed island-style long lunch at The Sundays' signature restaurant, Catseye Pool Club - where one of Australia's most influential chefs takes centre stage.

For those seeking the ultimate Race Week, qualia and new boutique hotel, The Sundays, offer exclusive curated experiences – from private chef-led beach lunches and candlelit degustations, to intimate performances, such as a special appearance by internationally acclaimed soprano Amy Manford. 

Naysla Edwards, Vice President of Brand, Marketing and Member Experience at American Express, says: 

"We're thrilled to be the presenting partner for the 40th anniversary of Hamilton Island Race Week. American Express is dedicated to offering our Card Members exclusive access to premier events and we look forward to bringing our signature touch to this iconic regatta and week-long festivities.” 

2025 also welcomes new partners, including Panerai and Balter, alongside the return of AV Partners, Mecca Cosmetica, Piper-Heidsieck, Tanqueray, Casamigos, Revo, Robert Oatley Wines, Sail Racing, and Tourism and Events Queensland, and longstanding partner Nautilus Marine Insurance. 

Whether you're racing, relaxing, or raising a glass, Hamilton Island Race Week 2025 is your invitation to trade winter for warm seas, Champagne moments, and sun-soaked indulgence.

You don't have to be a sailor to be part of the action. Hamilton Island's Winter Saver Offer is available during Race Week.

Stay 3 nights or more and save 20%*on stays at the Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows, Beach Club & The Sundays. View the offer here.

Event Tickets

The complete Race Week program of ticketed events will be available for sale on the Hamilton Island Race Week website on 23 June 2025. 

Exclusive packages are on sale now.

Hamilton Island Ultimate Race Week Packages

Book a 3-night Hamilton Island Race Week Experience at qualia here 

IMAGES

Hamilton Island Race Week images are available here.

Additional images are available on request and for download from the Hamilton Island Image Library here. Please note, one-time registration is required.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES 

Caroline Denyer 
Group Communications Manager                                                                                                                                                                                          Hamilton Island                                                                                                                                                                                          pr@hamiltonisland.com.au 
+61 (0) 433 995 947

Lauren Donohoe 
lauren@supermassivestudio.com 
+61 (0)434 083 369

NOTES TO EDITORS 

About Hamilton Island Race Week 

• Hamilton Island Race Week has been a highlight of the Australian sailing calendar for decades. The late Mr. Bob Oatley, an avid sailor, famously acquired Hamilton Island while competing in the regatta more than 20 years ago. Today, the Oatley family continues to uphold his legacy.
• Now in its 40th year, Hamilton Island Race Week is Australia's largest offshore sailing regatta, attracting more than 200 yachts - from high-performance yachts to trailer-pulled family favourites - and their crews from across the country and around the world. Established in 1984, it is one of the most anticipated events on the sporting and social calendar, offering a unique blend of high-performance sailing and premium onshore hospitality in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. 

About Hamilton Island 

• Hamilton Island is Australia's tropical island in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, offering direct flights from major east coast cities in under 2.5 hours from take-off to the reef. The island features a diverse range of accommodation, from family-friendly apartments to luxurious stays at private retreat qualia and relaxed coastal at new boutique hotel The Sundays. Guests can enjoy two spas, a golf course, over 20 restaurants and bars, and more than 60 activities and experiences, including tours to world-famous Whitehaven Beach and the iconic Heart Reef.
• The island also boasts a year-round calendar of world-class events. Highlights include the Hamilton Island Endurance Series—featuring the Great Whitehaven Beach Run (22 June 2025), the Hamilton Island Triathlon and Ocean Swim (15-16 November 2025) and the Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon (3 May 2026) —as well as pas de deux in Paradise, a bi-annual collaboration with The Australian Ballet at Pebble Beach, qualia (15-17 and 17-19 May 2026).