HAMILTON ISLAND RACE WEEK

North Powers Multiple Class Wins at Australia’s Favorite Regatta Venue

North-powered multiple class victories at the 2018 Hamilton Island Race Week. North Sails experts were onboard to support clients in their quest to win one of Australia’s premier events. We checked in with the North team after the regatta concluded to get first-hand feedback on their awesome experiences, teamwork, sail power, camaraderie, and why they look forward to Australia’s largest offshore regatta every year.

Alby Pratt, North Sails Sydney

“Racing on the CNB 76 Charlotte was different because she is set up more for cruising, but we were able to get a lot from her performance wise. Our crew worked well together, taking third on line honors, which was a great feat against the bigger boats. Charlotte was equipped with 3Di ENDURANCE 760, her 4th year with the same sails she uses mostly for cruising. The fact that she was built for cruising yet we were able to get her up to speed for racing is a testament to the long term value that 3Di provides, especially for this type of boat.”

Billy Sykes, North Sails Sydney

“Hamilton Island Race Week is the biggest regatta in one of the best places to race in Australia. We had perfect conditions all week with nice breeze. There were a ton of whales on the race track, which also made it pretty awesome! If you haven’t done this event, you really should!

Vaughan Prentice, North Sails Brisbane

“I just completed my 12th HIRW and my second year racing this event with RP100 Black Jack. 3Di RAW looked great both upwind and downwind and we had some close racing with Wild Oats, which was extra exciting. We focused on finding a faster downwind mode, and also on what sails we need to be ready for the next Sydney to Hobart. This race is very fun on and off the water, and is growing each year. I’ll definitely be coming back next year.”

Hamish Crossan, North Sails Brisbane

“I was on Not A Diamond which is a H+H 42. It’s a new boat, so we’ve only sailed it a few times. I trimmed the main and helmed. HIRW was the owners’ first event with the boat, and we really had a great first experience as a team. Not A Diamond was equipped with a brand new 3Di RAW main and headsails. The owner loved the new sails and was grinning ear to ear after seeing them up. This was my first year at HIRW, and I had so much fun! I would definitely recommend doing this regatta, as I will be doing it again in the future.”

Andrew Parkes, North Sails Sydney

“HIRW is one of the nicest regattas in the world. Not only is the sailing great, but seeing whales and dolphins is always a special experience. Onshore it’s a lot of fun talking to other teams to discuss the day and share stories.This regatta offers something for everyone, from Grand Prix and Maxi Yachts to cruising boats and trailer sailors. The tides are challenging and make the racing very interesting. 3Di ENDURANCE was a perfect inventory for a cruiser-racer sailing around Island courses.”

Mark Bradford, North Sails Brisbane

“Hamilton Island Race week is always a great place to improve as there are a lot of moves that require both team work and smart decisions. We won our battle with Wild Oats, and both boats used full 3Di RAW inventories. We are looking forward to the next time!”

Aaron Cole, North Sails Melbourne

“I raced the 47’ Solaris Vamos equipped with 3Di ENDURANCE. Everything was the perfect fit, even though we fit the sails on the boat just days prior to the event. This regatta was one of the best in a long time. Event staff have it completely figured out; well matched division splits and great on the water communication, not to mention the fun we had onshore. It was everything we expected and more. Can’t wait till next year.”

Paul Westlake, North Sails Sydney

“We can attribute our Hooligan> division win to the impeccable boat preparation provided by the owner: Marcus Blackmore, and project manager, Tim Wiseman. Our team is a great balance of youth and expertise, all working together toward the goal of winning. We were very well matched speedwise with Ichi Ban, so it came down to which team managed to get the little gains at the right time. The weather was warm, the wind was great, and the hospitality was unlike any other, thanks to the Oatley Family.”