Coral Sea Marina | Resort, Whitsundays, Australia

Located in the heart of the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef is the Whitsundays, a collection of 74 island paradises which the Clipper Race fleet was lucky enough to call home in January 2020.

And whilst the fleet is berthed at Coral Sea Marina | Resort in Airlie Beach, the region will come alive with the Whitsundays Clipper Race Carnival.

TRACK THE FLEET INTO THE WHITSUNDAYS

Every exhilarating moment, gybe and tack into the Whitsundays is captured on the RACE VIEWER. Follow the fleet’s progress and never miss a beat of the action: updated hourly.

WHAT’S ON IN THE WHITSUNDAYS?

GREET THE FLEET: ETA: 09-12 JANUARY 2020

Get amongst the action as the Clipper Race teams arrive into Coral Sea Marina and Resort. Experience the atmosphere as Race Crew step back on land after a thrilling race across the Southern Ocean. Your support creates a welcome that Race Crew shall never forget.

STEP ON BOARD: 14 & 16 JANUARY 1000-1500

Take a tour of a Clipper 70 stripped out ocean racing yacht above and below decks. Bring your family and friends and imagine life at a 40º angle.

Racing a Clipper 70 is not for the faint-hearted; you will be able to meet the courageous Race Crew taking part in the extraordinary challenge.

Tuesday 14 January: 1000-1500

Thursday 16 January: 1000-1500

IN THE FANZONE

Discover more about the technology on board, the conditions faced, the training involved and the Race Crew, from all walks of life and more than 40 nations.

Tuesday 14 January – Saturday 18 January: 1000 – 1800

WHITSUNDAYS CLIPPER RACE CARNIVAL

Set in the idyllic location of the Whitsundays in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays Clipper Race Carnival will feature signature events such as a long lunch on the iconic Whitehaven Beach, a rodeo on the foreshore of Bowen, a welcome party in the centre of Airlie Beach and Clipper Race Team Building Sailing Experiences.

For more information on the Whitsundays Clipper Race Carnival click here.

RACE DEPARTURE CEREMONY

On Saturday 18th January the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race fleet will continue its epic circumnavigation.

Take your position and cheer the teams as the fleet slip lines to set off on the 5,550nm Asia-Pacific Leg, and the sixth race of their 41,165 nautical mile endurance race around the world.

Saturday 18th January: 1200-1500

Slipping Lines Ceremony: 1200 - Coral Sea Marina and Resort

Parade of Sail: 1300

Race Start: Race 6 from Whitsundays to Sanya, China

ABOUT THE HOST PORT

The Whitsundays, on the beautiful tropical coast of Queensland, Australia, is made up of 74 Island Wonders. Located right in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays will be the second and final stop in Australia.

A visit to the Whitsundays is a feast for the senses, from the azure blue waters to the stunning natural landscapes of coast and islands, dotted with secluded beaches. It’s also the place to see iconic places such as Heart Reef and one of the world’s most unspoiled beaches, Whitehaven. Whitehaven Beach is made up of 98% pure silica sand and is an easy day trip from Airlie Beach.

The Whitsundays is increasingly being recognised as a world class sailing destination. As well as having superb sailing conditions, the region also boasts world class facilities, including the Five Gold Anchor Global Accredited and award winning Coral Sea Marina|Resort. The Clipper Race fleet will once again be berthed at this award winning marina which was named the Australian Marina of the Year for 2019/2020.

The natural beauty and diverse marine wildlife, including humpback whales, dolphins, turtles and dugongs, means visitors to the Whitsundays are encouraged to follow strong environmental practices, including recycling and saying no single use plastic. The aim is to leave nothing but footprints in the pure white sand.

The islands stretch from vibrant cosmopolitan Airlie Beach to the secluded bays of Bowen in the north, and west through the canefields of country town Proserpine. Along with the rolling hills of historical Collinsville, the Whitsunday Coast and Hinterland is both incredibly diverse and stunningly picturesque.

The fresh food is a reason to visit in itself. The Whitsundays is well known for its delicious mangoes, vegetables, sugar cane, and fresh seafood, including prawns, crabs and fish. The many restaurants of Airlie Beach are the best place to sample this delicious local produce, as well as take in the town’s famed nightlife.

The Whitsundays is easily accessed through two airports, Whitsunday Coast Airport and Hamilton Island Airport.

Top five experiences in the Whitsundays:

1.Visit the Great Barrier Reef

2.Sail around 74 islands

3.Explore Whitehaven Beach

4.Walk up Hill Inlet lookout

5.Explore the Whitsunday Region and mainland