From a huge community welcome event with the Bendigo Bank Welcome Party in Airlie Beach, to an action packed Corporate Race Day onboard the custom designed 70ft Clipper Race yachts it has been a huge weekend of activity in the Whitsundays.
Four of the 70ft Clipper Race yachts battled it out in a short course race in Pioneer Bay on Friday with event sponsors, media and the paying public all getting to experience the power and speed of these round the world yachts. With a consistent 20kts of breeze, the crews onboard took great care in coaching the novice sailors onboard through some basic techniques before the race started.
In what was labelled Race 6A by the excited participants, the media crew onboard PSP Logistics took our line honours to win the race!
Friday night saw Queensland artists Busby Marou entertain a vibrant crowd on the waterfront in Airlie Beach. The Clipper Race crews paraded through the esplanade to their team songs, so the Whitsunday community to welcome them to our region. The waterfront was packed with market stalls, food vendors, kids entertainment and restaurants alive with visitors to the region.
The night ended with a stunning firework display for all to enjoy.