Competitors, family and friends come together to enjoy the convivial atmosphere and unique camaraderie of the event’s on-water and off-water carnival.

David was able to convince the then owner and founder of Hamilton Island, Keith Williams, to agree to hosting the event as a way of generating tourism and favorable media attention to the resort.

After eight years of having Race Week in April, it was moved to August in 1992 to take advantage of more consistent and attractive weather conditions.

Hamilton Island Race Week is also filled with other activities such as food markets, fashion events, cocktail parties and beach yoga.

Hamilton Island Race Week hosts a wide variety of local and abroad celebrities ranging from international singers, chefs, actors, photographers and models such as Emma Louise, Matt Moran, Asher Keddie, Simon Baker, Lisa Wilkinson and Carmen Hamilton to name a few.