Federal funds to back Whitsunday Clipper Race Carnival

The Whitsunday Clipper Race Carnival is set to receive $200,000 in Federal Government ‘matched’ funding.

The Carnival, which will take place in January next year at Abell Point Marina, will mark the local hosting of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race - a 40,000 nautical mile race around the globe.

When the 12 yachts pull into Abell Point Marina at Airlie Beach on 13th January they are expected to will attract more than 4,000 visitors in total and inject around $3 million into the local economy.

Tourism Whitsundays’ Sales and Marketing Manager Tash Wheeler said hosting the Clipper fleet would further enhance the Whitsundays’ reputation as a world-class sailing venue.

Wheeler explained “the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is a unique event that attracts worldwide publicity and we are extremely proud to have been chosen as an official host port.

“It will reinforce our standing as a world-class sailing destination and it also gives us the opportunity to promote the whole region and showcase how much beauty there is from the north to the south.”

Whitsundays Mayor Andrew Willcox welcomed the announcement and said hosting the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in the Whitsundays was a massive coup for the region.

Mayor Willcox added “this support from the Federal Government will allow Airlie Beach to host the final Australian leg of the race and give skippers, international crews and supporters the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Whitsunday region.

“The Whitsundays Clipper Race Carnival will highlight the whole region with signature events such as a long lunch on iconic Whitehaven Beach, a rodeo on the coastal beaches of Bowen, a golf day in Proserpine and a large scale community welcome event.” 

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