August is finally upon us and next week Hamilton Island will be a buzz with the unique and lively atmosphere of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week (#AHIRW).
 
From 20–27th of August, Hamilton Island will play host to the largest offshore yacht regatta in the southern hemisphere with a range of amazing events to be staged through out the week.  As part of this year’s revelries guests are invited to celebrate the best Australia has to offer in mixology and culinary delights.
 
With over 100 scheduled events we’ve curated a list of this year's most exciting highlights:

Drinks

 
Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Bar at Bommie Deck

Enjoy a flute of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne on the terrace of the Hamilton Island Yacht Club as the day’s racing comes to an end and the onshore fun begins.
 
Why we love it: Sunset, a live DJ playing and Piper Champagne—need we say more!
When: 5pm to 7pm, 21-27 August.
Location: Bommie Deck, Hamilton Island Yacht Club.
Entry: This is a non-ticketed event and entry is open to the public (18+ for service of alcohol).

 

Robert Oatley Vineyards Pop-up Cellar Door

Robert Oatley’s Darren Jahn will present eight exciting, award-winning new releases from the family’s winery, which you can taste free of charge. He will also be running a competition each day with a chance to take home award-winning wine!

Why we love it:  These fantastic wines tastes even better in paradise.
When: 12pm to 4pm, 22-23 and 25 August.
Location: One Tree Hill.
Entry: This is a non-ticketed event and entry is open to the public. No charge for tasting and wines are available by the glass (18+ for service of alcohol).

 

Tanqueray Garden Bar

After dinner, head to the Tanqueray Ga

Every August, spectators and yachties from around the globe descend upon Hamilton Island for Australia’s largest offshore keelboat regatta, Audi Hamilton Island Race Week (#AHIRW).

Race Week is a fantastic opportunity for anyone new to sailing to experience the spectacle and wonderment of yachts paired with competitive racing.

To help beginners sound the part, we’ve collected a short list of 10 sailing terms that anyone new to the sport can learn:

1. Aft - The back of a ship. If something is located aft, it is at the back of the sailboat. The aft is also known as the stern. 

2. Bow - The front of the ship. Knowing the location of the bow is important for defining two of the other most common sailing terms; port and starboard.

3. Port – When facing the front of the boat (the bow), port is always the left-hand side of the boat. Using ’right’ and ’left’ can become confusing when used out in the open waters, this is why port is used to define the left-hand side of the boat. 

4. Starboard - When facing the front of the boat (the bow), starboard is always the right-hand side of the boat.  

5. Leeward - Is the direction opposite to the way the wind is currently blowing (windward). Also known as lee.

6. Windward – Is the direction in which the wind is currently blowing. Windward is the opposite of leeward. Sailboats tend to move with the wind, making the windward direction an important sailing term to know. 

7. Boom - The boom is the horizontal pole which extends from the bottom of the mast. When you adjust the boom towards the direction of the wind, the sailboat is able to harness wind power to move forward or backwards. 

8. Rudder - Located beneath the boat, the rudder is a flat piece of wood, fiberglass, or metal that is used to steer the boat. Larger sailboats control the rudder via a wheel, while smaller sailboats will have a steering mechanism directly aft. 

9. Tacking - This basic sailing manoeuvre refers to turning the bow of the boat through the wind so that the wind changes from one side of the boat to the other side. This is the opposite of jibing as it is going into the wind. The boom of a boat will always shift from one side to the other when performing a tack or a jibe. 

10.  Jibing - is a sailing maneuver whereby a sailing vessel reaching downwind (the wind is coming from behind the vessel) turns its stern through the wind, such that the wind direction changes from one side of the boat to the other.  

Remember these terms and you'll be sounding like a pro in no time!

For more information: www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au
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Garden Bar with its lush, leafy garden vibe, live DJs and dancing. Enjoy a selection of classic cocktails, including Tanqueray’s signature serve, Tanqueray and Tonic.
 
Why we love it: After-hours partying, Tanqueray gin cocktails and fun beats… better pack your dancing shoes for this one!
When: 9.00pm till late, 20–27 August.
Location: Hamilton Island Marina, Front Street.
Entry:  This is a non-ticketed event and is open to the public (18+ for entry).

 

   

Eats

Wild Oats Wines Ladies Lunch with special guest Layne Beachley
A South East Asian Banquet prepared by chef Adam Woodfield paired with matching Wild Oats Wines with special guest, World Champion surfer Layne Beachley.
 
Why we love it: Who doesn’t love a long lunch? Also, in addition to the amazing food and wine, there will be a flower crown making station! 
When: 12pm, Sunday 21 August.
Location: coca chu, Catseye Beach.
Entry: Please apply to the wait list for seating. 

 

Dinner with Matt Moran and Robert Oatley Wines

Audi Ambassador and Race Week regular Matt Moran returns in 2016. Matt is one of Australia’s most celebrated foodies with multiple restaurants and television shows. Join us for an intimate three-course dinner with matching wines brought to you by Audi Australia and Robert Oatley Wines.
 
Why we love it: Matt Moran always surprises and delights with his sensational food and when paired with Robert Oatley Wines we’re in for a treat.
When: 7.30pm, Sunday 21 August.
Location: Bommie Restaurant, Hamilton Island Yacht Club.
Entry:  Please apply to the wait list for seating.

 

 
Piper-Heidsieck Champagne lunch with Guillaume Brahimi

Experience a little magic of the Côte d'Azur and celebrate lay day in true French Riviera style. Enjoy the range of Piper-Heidsieck Champagnes while savouring a menu created by Guillaume Brahimi.

 

Prix d’elegance with Reuben toasties and Ketel One Bloody Mary Stand

To coincide with the judging of prix d’elegance (where yachts compete in two categories: Best Presented Yacht and Crew; and Best Fun-Themed Yacht and Crew) we invite everyone to come and watch the parade of boats go past, as you enjoy breakfast and a bloody mary at the Yacht Club.
 
Why we love it: A feast for the senses with fun costumes for Prix d’elegance and a delicious breakfast. It’s  a chance to experience the true essence of AHIRW!
When: 8:00 am, Thursday 25 August.
Location: Bommie Deck, Hamilton Island Yacht Club.
Entry: This is a non-ticketed event and open to the public. 

 

Paspaley ‘white’ Luncheon

Guests join Paspaley for a glamorous afternoon on Pebble Beach. This annual luncheon is a celebration of the beauty of Australian South Sea pearls and a chance to view the latest jewellery designs.
 
Why we love it: It brings together style, sophistication and the superb.
When: 12pm, Friday 26 August.
Location: Pebble Beach, qualia.
Entry: Please apply to the wait list for seating. 

 

Surf and Turf Dinner with the Australian Sailing Team

Celebrate the Australian Sailing Team’s return from Rio! Overlooking the Hamilton Island Marina, enjoy a three-course surf and turf menu whilst hearing stories from the on water action in Rio. Hosted by ex-Olympic Sailor (and Hamilton Island CEO) Glenn Bourke and sailing journalist Rob Mundle.
 
Why we love it: Talk like a sailor and eat like a sailor!
When: 7pm, Friday 26 August.
Location: Romano's, Front Street.
Entry:  Please apply to the wait list for seating. 

 

Eat Street

For a casual dinner during Race Week visit the Eat Street food market located in the heart of the Hamilton Island Marina. Wander around as you are treated to a carnival style atmosphere, a huge range of cuisines and live performances to entertain the whole family.
 
Why we love it:  You get to walk around and soak up the atmosphere, while enjoying great food and a tropical cocktail (or two).
When: 5.30pm to 8.30pm, 20-23 & 25-26 August.
Location: Hamilton Island Marina, Front Street.
Entry: This is a non-ticketed event and open to the public.