Fresh trade winds exceeding 25 knots delivered a bruising but brilliant start to Hamilton Island Race Week 2026, with the 194-boat fleet one of the strongest in the event's 41-year history facing bumpy conditions in the traditional Around the Islands Race.
The 22-boat Trailer Yacht fleet bore the brunt of the heavy weather close to Hamilton Island, where +GST skipper Steve Girdis claimed class honours with a crew drawn entirely from his family circle. Brother Michael, son Jordy, nephew Alex and best mate Waldo helped Girdis navigate the testing upwind work.
"We had a fantastic day. It was so much fun, and what made it especially special was having four Girdises on board, plus one honorary family member," Girdis said. "We pulled it all together, and thankfully the course took us inshore when we were going upwind."
Further north around Lindeman Island, Mark Spring and his youthful crew recovered from a poor start to seize the IRC Rating Division 1 win. Six of Spring's crew are under 25, a factor the skipper credited for their comeback.
"We're pretty happy. We're absolutely pumped," Spring said. "We didn't have a great start, but with a boat full of future rock stars, everyone locked in and got the job done. Six members of the team are under 25, and it is such a pleasure to watch them race."
The fleet's only US entry, the Oyster 825 Viva La Vida sailed by Barry and Susie Parkin, took victory in the Hamilton Island Blue Division. John Whitbread's Kerb won the Hamilton Island Pink Division.
Race Director Denis Thompson said the conditions showed why the Whitsundays remains a top offshore venue. "We had a lovely trade wind of 20 to 25 knots. The rain cleared, the sun came out and it made for absolutely great sailing," he said.
Thompson noted the tactical importance of tidal management in the island passages. "Current is a big part of sailing here. You have to work the tides and make sure you are in the right place when they change."
Racing continues through Saturday 22 August.
