10:42 PM Wed 12 Aug 2009 GMT
The 20th annual Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week springs into action today and a thousand sailors and their families have been surging into Airlie Beach during the week in readiness for this iconic event. Known as the Tropical T-Shirt regatta the event offers the opportunity to sail in the idyllic, warm waters of the Whitsundays, surrounded by great scenery and under sunny blue skies.
The warmer weather appeals to sailors and their families, and with lots of NSW and Victorian license plates appearing and busy regular shuttle services from Proserpine, Mackay and Hamilton Island airports, the local motels and hotels are at capacity.
Sailing certainly builds appetites and thirsts, which means lots more patrons for Airlie Beach's excellent range of restaurants, pubs and clubs.
The social scene at the 20th annual Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week kicks off tonight, Thursday evening, with a Welcome Party at Regatta HQ, which is Meridien Marinas Abel Point Marina. The event starts at 6:00pm with local band Gunnaduo providing the entertainment.
On Friday afternoon the sailors and everyone who'd like to come, will be re-hydrating at the big Race Marquee from 4:00pm. Well not actually re-hydrating but there are liquids involved. The Captain Underpants Band will be providing the music.
On Saturday 15th after race celebrations with live music, from Pop a and Brian Fraser from 4:00pm will kick off the evening, with the famous Parrot Head Party in The Esplanade starting at 5:30pm. The Jimmy Buffet Tribute band will provide live music.
The Race Marquee will start rocking a little earlier on Sunday 16th with live music from the Barbary Coasters from 3.00pm.
Monday 17th is the Lay Day - so no racing . but lots of 'laying about.' The Skippers and Navigators Breakfast commences at Barracudas at 9:30am and the Tropical Shirt Crew Party will jump into action at the Whitsunday Sailing Club from 2:00pm, with live music from Kieran McCarthy.
On Tuesday 18th after race celebrations at the Race Marquee will feature the Australia's premier southern-style boogie band - The Wolverines.
It's a 4:00pm start on Wednesday 19th at the Race Marquee with live music from Johnny Gafter.
The final celebration is Thursday 20th and it's the 'Big One'. It all happens at the Race Marquee from 3:30pm with the very popular Wolverines guaranteed to get everyone rocking. As well as the great entertainment the important presentation of Prizes and Trophies will commences at 5:30pm.
Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week offers a great social programme for everyone.
Oh and if you've missed out on this year, be sure to mark down the dates for the 21st Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week so you too can enjoy the tropical Whitsundays and all that's on offer.
by Al Constable
Click on thumbnails to enlarge and find more photos:
|
