This year's fleet will be made up of many boats and crews that are returning to enjoy the racing a social aspects Hogs Breath Race Week and Airlie Beach have to offer. The Sydney 38 fleet will be racing in the Pan Pacific Championships which will be an ideal `warm up` regatta for the class Nationals being raced the following week and Hamilton Island's Hahn Premium Race Week. Entries are in for the Big Boat Division, for yachts over 60 feet long and the Premier Cruising division, catering for larger modern cruising yachts. There will be an emphasis on one-design racing, with Sydney 38 and Farr 40 and Trailerable Yacht one design fleets. Other racing divisions include IRC, PHS, Cruising (with and without spinnakers) and Sports Boats. Other boats and crews will be experiencing Hogs Breath for the first time it will surely be a regatta to remember and return to. `We are looking forward to seeing familiar faces and new competitors enjoying Hogs Breath Race Week both on and off the water ` said Regatta Director Andrew Palfrey.

Boats and crews from Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory have entered so far with entries starting to come in from various other locations along the eastern seaboard.

Crews that want to race but have no boat are taking advantage of the charter boats available in all divisions during Hogs Breath. These boats range from Mumm 30's to Volvo 60's, which gives a wide range of choice to those wanting to be there.

This year's social programme won't be one to forget with the new marina providing a social hub for the fleet. Tooheys New will be erecting a huge marquee (complete with bar facilities) at the entrance to the marina, as well as the Whitsunday's Sailing Club and various `watering holes` and restaurants playing host to the competitors at Hogs Breath Race Week.

For more information on Hogs Breath Race Week, including Entry Forms, accommodation options and charter yacht details, go to: www.hogsbreathraceweek.com.au

Source: Sam Crichton