Airlie Beach
Coral Sea Marina, Australia
- Arrival
- 07-11 Jan 2026
- Start
- 19 Jan 2026
- Editions
- 2
Welcome to paradise!
A stunning collection of 74 islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef makes up the tropical wonder that is the Whitsundays, with Airlie Beach being the gateway to these beautiful islands. While hosted at the Coral Sea Marina Resort, Race Crew will be provided with the perfect base to explore the stunning landscapes of the local area as they take a few days here to unwind and enjoy the many hidden gems.
The azure waters are a magnet for ocean-lovers, with a wealth of diving, snorkelling and watersports on offer on the Great Barrier Reef and the secluded beaches scattered around the islands. However, it’s not all about the ocean- the area is also famous for beautiful tropical rainforest, and you’ll find stunning waterfalls in the Conway National Park which are well worth the hike to find.
Airlie beach Highlights
13 - 15 January 2026
Yacht Tours
0900 - 1130 | 1500 - 1730
Coral Sea Marina
Climb aboard a Clipper 70 and hear first hand from our Race Crew about their experiences, sailing 40,000nm around the world.
Wednesday 14 January 2026
Discovery Talk
1830 - 1930
Whitsunday Sailing Club
Join us for a Clipper Race Discovery Talk and learn about the extraordinary opportunity to participate in the upcoming Clipper 2027-28 Race.
Whether you dream of crossing oceans, pushing personal boundaries, or creating unforgettable memories, this event will give you a glimpse into what it takes to becoming Clipper Race crew. With no prior sailing experience required (for race crew), this one of a kind adventure race welcomes adventurers from all walks of life and experience levels.
Thursday 15 January 2026
Little Ripper Clipper Race Cup
1100 - 1500
Whitsunday Sailing Club
Watch local sailors and the Clipper Race Crew battle it out for the Little Ripper Clipper Cup.
Hosted by the Whitsunday Sailing Cub and sailing on their RS Quest dinghies, teams of three will go head-to-head to head in knock-out qualifying rounds to determine the overall winner.
Monday 19 January 2026
Parade of Sail
1200 - 1330
Coral Sea Marina
1200 | Slipping Lines
Pioneer Bay
1300 | Parade of Sail
Join the Race
40,000nm. 5 Oceans. 1 Circumnavigation. See you on the start line.