Hog's Breath update

News from the organisers of how the Australian regatta is shaping up

This year marks the 15th running of Hog's Breath Race Week, which offers racing for keelboats and trailerable yachts in a range of divisions. The keelboat divisions include IRC and PHS handicaps, cruising divisions and one-design keelboat classes.

The regatta, which this year runs from the 13th August to the 19th August, has grown each year from humble beginnings. There are several factors that have played a part in the success and growth. Not least is the amount of passion and hard work invested into the regatta by its founder, Don Algie. Also, Airlie Beach provides great value and a diverse range of entertainment for crews. The spectacular setting of Pioneer Bay and the surrounding islands provide perfect sailing conditions.

Regatta Director Andrew Palfey describes progress this year: “We closely monitored the progress of two of the best sailing regattas around, namely Skandia Geelong Week in Victoria and Key West Race Week in Florida, USA. Whilst we are still very much in a growth phase at Hog's Breath, we look to events such as these as a template for success in terms of facilities, sponsorships, local government partnerships, media and hospitality. Congratulations to the organisers of SGW and Key West for remarkable success that benefits the sailors and the sailing industry.

"At Hog's Breath, we have the obvious advantages of a great sailing area and the township of Airlie Beach, but we continue to work hard on doing better and being smarter. We are delighted to be able to announce the hosting of the 2004 National Trailerable Yacht and Sportsboat Championships at Hog's Breath Race Week. The Sportsboats added to the event in 2003. We look forward to having the involvement of plenty more trailerables this year.”

Points of note include:

The Notice of Race for HBRW 2004 is now available on the website with the online entry system up and running. Matt Allen's successful Farr 52 Ichi Ban is coming back and the Sydney 38 Pan Pacific's are generating interest.

The event has formed partnerships with six of the best accommodation providers in Airlie Beach. Each of these organisations is ideally located to the town and offer great amenities, views and atmosphere.

Known as the Tropical Shirt Regatta, Hog's Breath Race Week is gearing up for more fun in the sun, as well as a high standard of regatta management. Mt Gay Rum and Tooheys New are back to support HBRW and enjoy the post race dockside parties with this year's competitors.

Competitors will be able to relax after racing in the competitor's marquee whilst enjoying the renowned yachtie band, The Wolverines. Other shore-based activities will include radio controlled mini regattas using Blowfly One Metre yachts and Mucka's Coconut Lotto will be back again after a stunning debut at Hog's 2003.

Airlie Beach's Hogs Breath Race Week has been awarded the hosting of the 13th National Trailerable Yacht and Sportsboat Championships. This event will be held in conjunction with the existing race week program of one-design keelboats, IRC, PHS and Cruising divisions, scheduled for 13-19 August.

The regatta will again play host to the Sydney 38 One Design Pan Pacific Championship for 2004. This continues a long association between the Sydney 38 One Design Class and Hog's Breath Race Week, with the Sydney 38 One Design Australian Championship having been held in the Whitsundays for the past four years.

For more information see: www.hogsbreathraceweek.com.au