Airlie Beach is also home to one of the largest yacht racing regattas in Australia, Airlie Beach Race Week and its onshore Festival of Sailing.
Hosted by the Whitsunday Sailing Club and now in its 32nd year, Airlie Beach Race Week is a seven day event that attracts entrants from all over Australia and overseas.
Offshore the Regatta offers classes from IRC competitive racing through to cruising divisions attracting around 1450 competitors, officials and volunteers.
Onshore the Festival of Sailing, is the Whitsunday Coasts’ most significant public event, presenting seven days and nights of high profile, entertainment and social activities.
In 2019 attendances peaked at over 11,000. In 2020 the onshore Social Program will include free live entertainment food stalls, a beer & food pairing, a long lunch and wine tastings.