The highly anticipated Airlie Beach Race Week kicked off on Friday with a spectacular mass start, marking the beginning of a week that looked to promise close and exciting sailing action. With ideal sailing conditions and 20-knot winds, participants certainly relished racing on day one.

However, days two and three brought unexpected challenges as light winds swept over the racecourse, ultimately leading to the abandonment of several divisions on Sunday.

Managing the fluctuating conditions, CYCA Member Raymond Roberts and the crew of Team Hollywood showcased exceptional skill and teamwork aboard the Botin Class 40. With a dominant victory in the first race, and a closer victory in the second race, they demonstrated their versatility to excel in all conditions. A 3^rd in the third race yesterday solidified their lead in IRC Division 1.

Andrew Kearnan and the crew of the TP52 KOA placed 4^th in the initial race, then backed it up with a 2^nd in the second race. Their persistence paid off as they won the third race, propelling them to a strong 2^nd overall in IRC Division 1.

David Currie’s DK46 Nizam put on a dominant display in IRC Division 2 with comfortable wins in both the first and second races. Despite the abandonment of the third race due to extremely light winds, Nizam’s exceptional performance has positioned them at the forefront of IRC Division 2.

Geoff Hill’s Santa Cruz 72 Antipodes is sitting 6^th overall in IRC Division 1.

Ian MacDiarmid’s Carkeek 40 Victoire currently stands in 3^rd overall in PHS Performance Cruising Division 1. While the third race for the division was also abandoned due to light winds, Victoire’s performance in the preceding races has showcased their competitiveness.

In PHS Performance Cruising Division 2, Antipodes sits in 3^rd place overall; John Clinton’s Beneteau Oceanis 50 Holy Cow in 6^th.

Kate Leeson’s Cookson 12 Calibre 12 and Joe Goddard’s Beneteau First 40.7 Blue Moon currently occupy 6^th and 12^th in PHS Performance Cruising Division 3.

In the PHS Trailable Yachts division, Member Andrew York’s Like Oxygen faced challenges on day one but remained undeterred. Despite retiring from Race 1, they currently sitting in 10^th.

As Airlie Beach Race Week continues, we wish all the competitors the very best.