This dreamy Australian island is hosting a yacht party on the world's best beach
Every August, thousands of sailors and spectators from around the globe travel to the Whitsundays for Hamilton Island Race Week, Australia's largest offshore keelboat regatta. What started as a niche sailing event in 1984 has grown into a week-long festival that will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025 from August 16 to 23.
While the regatta is the main event – with races for everything from fast-cruising yachts and sports boats to bareboats, maxi yachts and Grand Prix contenders – Race Week is by no means just for sailors. The 2025 festival features a world-class line-up of on- and offshore events, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Whitsundays.
Spectators can cheer on their favourite crews from the buzzing hubs at Hamilton Island Yacht Club and Marina, but the festivities stretch well beyond the docks. Highlights from the 2025 program include a starlit dinner on Catseye Beach prepared by chef Alanna Sapwell-Stone; a Champagne Spectator Cruise aboard a 130-foot luxury yacht; an indulgent Italian feast on the shores of Pebble Beach by OTTO Brisbane's executive chef Will Cowper; and a relaxed island-style long lunch at The Sundays by Australia's seafood king, Josh Niland.
Our idea of paradise is the Ultimate Lay Day Beach Party – set to unfold on the sparkling shores of Whitehaven Beach, which was crowned the world's best beach in 2025 by Lonely Planet. Think sunshine, snorkelling, floating slides and stylish snacks, all served up aboard the sleek superyacht Impulsive. Knot too shabby, if you ask us!
You can find out more about Hamilton Island Race Week here, with tickets released on June 23.
🏝️ The best things to do in the Whitsundays
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Loris Karius lifts lid on relationship with Diletta Leotta after she revealed moment he locked himself in her room
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LORIS KARIUS has spilled the beans on his glam romance with TV stunner Diletta Leotta. The ex-Liverpool goalkeeper explained the difficulties of living miles apart from his wife and how he's able to make up for his absence. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 11 Loris Karius lifts lid on relationship with Diletta Leotta after she revealed moment he locked himself in her room Credit: Instagram / @dilettaleotta 11 Karius has a daughter with stunning wife Diletta Credit: Instagram / @dilettaleotta 11 Karius says his wife is more famous than he is on the streets of Milan Credit: Instagram / @dilettaleotta Karius, best remembered for that Champions League final meltdown against Real Madrid, has swapped Anfield heartache for happily-ever-after with Italian stunner Diletta, 33, who fronts the footie on DAZN. The pair first met in 2022, welcomed baby Aria in 2023 and tied the knot in a plush 2024 bash straight out of a fairy tale. But it's not all roses and romance, they're juggling marriage and parenthood from different countries. Karius now plays for German Bundesliga two side Schalke after leaving Newcastle while Diletta's continues her DAZN gig in Milan. But according to the goalkeeper his wife loves it and creates an atmoshphere where its right for them to feel the love even from a distance. He told Sport Bild: 'Diletta even advised me to extend at Schalke. "She thinks the club is great and she likes everything she has seen here so far. "Diletta also thinks that royal blue is the perfect choice for my sporting success. She is fully behind this decision." BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Karius however admits it's tough not seeing little Aria every day but FaceTime is saving the day. He added: 'But of course it's hard for me when I can't see my little daughter Aria for days. Glamorous sports presenter Diletta Leotta shocks in full see-through outfit as she leaves little to imagination "But that's what FaceTime is for and we see each other regularly - as often as possible." The 32-year-old goalkeeper also admitted he's open to a second child even though he's not planned anything yet. He added: "We would love to have a second child, we don't know when yet and nothing concrete is planned so far." The goalie also revealed that his missus is the real celeb in the family – especially in Milan. He added: 'She gets recognised more than me. She's a superstar over there.' But Karius wasn't quite ready for the full Italian family welcome. On meeting Diletta's clan in noisy Sicily, he fled the lunch table and locked himself in the bedroom for a lie-down. His wife Dilette revealed on a podcast: 'He was shattered by life, bless him. 'He said, Please stop, I need a break. "He went upstairs to his room locked himself in and threw himself on the bed destroyed by life." Since his Liverpool nightmare, Karius has done the rounds – Besiktas, Union Berlin, Newcastle and now Schalke in Germany's second tier, where he just signed a deal until 2027. 11 Diletta Leotta is one of DAZN top footie presenters Credit: Instagram / @dilettaleotta 11 She was in the U.S working during the just ended Club World Cup Credit: Instagram / @dilettaleotta 11 Every now and then she'd drop a stunning photo on her Instagram page for her followers Credit: Instagram / @dilettaleotta 11 The presenter first met Karious in 2022 and now they have a daughter Credit: Instagram / @dilettaleotta 11 Diletta admits Karius couldn't handle meeting her family for the first time Credit: Instagram / @dilettaleotta 11 She's happy to stay in Milan while her husband stays in Gelsenkirchen playing for Schalke Credit: Instagram / @dilettaleotta 11 Italian television presenter and model, married to German professional footballer Loris Karius Credit: Instagram / @dilettaleotta
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Alisha Lehmann loses title of ‘world's most beautiful footballer' as stunning pics of Sweden's Alice Sondergaard emerge
ALISHA LEHMANN has lost the title of being the "world's most beautiful footballer". The Swiss ace had a huge following of 17million followers on Instagram. 12 Alisha Lehmann has been unseated as the world's most beautiful footballer Credit: Reuters 12 Fans have fallen head over heels for Alice Sondergaard Credit: INSTAGRAM @alicesondergaard 12 She has recently joined Geona Credit: INSTAGRAM @genoacfcwomen 12 She already has over 50,000 followers Credit: INSTAGRAM @alicesondergaard Lehmann, 26, was often hailed by fans for her stunning looks while on the pitch. However, a new star has taken her mantle as fans have fallen for Swedish striker Alice Sondergaard. The star is already making waves in the footballing world, having signed for Italian outfit Genoa. Sondergaard, 22, has already represented Sweden as she received her first call-up when she was just 15. However, she did not make the cut for Peter Gerhardsson's final squad for the Euros this summer. She will now be hoping to help Geona remain in Serie A Women's after the team earned promotion to Italy's top-flight for the first time in their history. She has signed a contract with the Liguria club that will run until 2027. Genoa announced her signing on Instagram with a selection of pictures of Sondergaard wearing the club shirt. And fans were left besotted by her dazzling beauty as they flooded the comment section. One posted: "It's official, the most beautiful footballer alive." Alisha Lehmann poses with an ALIEN in bizarre NASA-themed adidas shoot alongside Juventus star boyfriend Douglas Luiz A second wrote: "Always been a Genoa fan." A third commented: "Beautiful and talented." A fourth said: "All of a sudden I am a Genoa fan." Another added: "She is beautiful damn." Sondergaard already boasts 58.8k followers on Instagram, where she regularly posts action snaps and updates from outside of football. 12 Sondergaard stunned in this black dress Credit: INSTAGRAM @alicesondergaard 12 She has encouraged people to start supporting Genoa Credit: INSTAGRAM @alicesondergaard 12 She will face Lehmann this season on the pitch Credit: INSTAGRAM @alicesondergaard 12 She previously played for Bologna, Hellas Verona and Sampdoria Credit: INSTAGRAM @alicesondergaard When not on the pitch, she can be found wearing stunning outfits and enjoying the weather. She has also played for both Sampdoria and Hellas Verona during her time in Italy. Her first club was BK Hacken FF in her homeland of Sweden. Sondergaard and Geona will start their journey in Serie A against AC Milan. She will not have to wait long to face Lehmann on the pitch as Genoa will take on Juventus on November 11 in their sixth game of the season. 12 Sondergaard has signed a contract with Bologna until 2027 Credit: INSTAGRAM @genoacfcwomen 12 She will want to help the club stay in Serie A Women's Credit: INSTAGRAM @genoacfcwomen 12 She plays as a forward Credit: INSTAGRAM @genoacfcwomen
Daily Mirror
18 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
World's most beautiful train journey has a special waterfall stop
With a Sogne in my heart - jet off to Norway for views you will remember forever, says Emily Heward, who hopped on the historic Flåm Railway - once crowned the world's best train ride by Lonely Planet Shimmering lakes and tumbling waterfalls whistle past my window. Behind them rise hulking mountains dappled by melting snow. I'm on one of the world's most beautiful train journeys, passing through a wilderness just a short one-and-a-half-hour flight from the UK. Bergen is the gateway to some of Norway's most spectacular fjords and the king of them is the Sognefjord, stretching and splintering more than 125 miles inland from the sea through dramatic valleys carved by ancient glaciers. This mythically beautiful landscape is in day-tripping distance of the city, where I'm staying on a Jet2 city break on a Norway in a Nutshell trip ( around £182). After a two-hour train ride to Myrdal, we hop on the historic Flåm Railway. Once crowned the world's best train ride by Lonely Planet, it passes spectacular scenery including the Kjosfossen waterfall, with its own stop so you can see its force up close. We also pass Rjoandefossen at the perfect moment as the sun hits its spray, refracting a perfect rainbow. We get off at Flåm itself, positioned at the tip of Aurlandsfjord. This beautiful branch of the Sognefjord demands to be appreciated from all angles, so we take a minibus up to the Stegastein viewpoint that juts out from the mountaintop 2,130ft above the village – a feat of engineering almost as magnificent as the views below. We then head back down to board a fjord cruise. Nature is part of Norway's national identity and is carefully protected, its elements harnessed to produce most of the country's energy from hydropower. Most vehicles are now electric, including our ship. It makes for a serenely quiet voyage as we sail to the Nærøyfjord, the narrowest, wildest and most famous branch of the Sognefjord, passing sights including the village of Aurland – said to have inspired Disney's Frozen. I drink in the views from the top deck, sipping a beer as we glide along, only the sound of the ship's Norway flag flapping in the wind punctuating the peace. After a long day, I'm glad to get back to Bergen. I'm staying at the Thon Hotel Orion, perfectly placed near the city's picture-postcard Bryggen district. My room has views over the wharf and a comfy bed for me to collapse on. This area used to be one of Europe's most important trading ports and is a recognisable tourist site. The colourful waterfront parade of shops and cafes was originally offices used by German merchants who arrived here in the 13th century, dominating for 400 years. The oldest of its tilting wooden buildings dates from 1702, though it's miraculous any remain at all. Fires have razed this city to rubble repeatedly over the centuries – but in fact this area was saved by one. Excavations after the last major blaze in 1955 found artefacts dating back to the Middle Ages, now on display in the Bryggens Museum ( around £12). Before that discovery, many had wanted the rundown area demolished. Instead it became a UNESCO world heritage site. Today, it's a charming jumble of ancient buildings and newer neighbours built in the traditional style. A narrow alleyway leads us off the main drag and seemingly back in time, into a warren of timber-planked walkways and cobbled courtyards lined by goldsmiths, galleries and gift shops. At the back is Bryggen Tracteursted, Bergen's oldest restaurant. Once a dining hall for local merchants, it's still very much a medieval tavern, with wooden tables and fur-draped chairs on a sloping stone floor. Our host tells us about resident ghost Hans, purportedly a young apprentice left dangling too long over a fire in an initiation ritual. Legend has it he was found cooked and his face fell off in three pieces, we're told before being handed our food. Bon appetit! Stockfish (dried cod) was a major export in Bryggen's trading heyday and it's never off the menu. I try it in the classic Bergen fish soup, a rich, creamy chowder with fish dumplings. I later catch a glimpse of a whole stockfish framed on a wall, its body blackened and shrivelled and its jaws hinged wide open in a silent scream. Let's just say it tastes a lot better than it looks. For more contemporary cuisine, my favourite meal was at Sann, an elegant restaurant and rooftop bar where we dined on dry-aged pork served with kale grown on the roof and a tonka bean and black pepper sauce. The cocktails were first rate, views and vibes impeccable. A guided e-bike tour from Bergen Bike Rent (around £58) is the perfect way to explore the city's hilly terrain. I'm glad of the turbo function as we pedal up steep, cobbled streets past pastel-coloured buildings and sights including the cathedral, Festplassen public square and Grieghallen. The concert hall is named after Bergen-born composer Edvard his home with soprano star wife Nina, is just outside the city and we later pay a visit ( around £13). Built in 1885, the villa is a time capsule still furnished with original pieces including his Steinway. Bergen is ringed by seven mountains and offers an easy escape into nature. The highest, Mount Ulriken, can be reached by cable car from just outside the city centre ( around £10). At the summit is the Skyscraperen restaurant and cafe, boasting the best beer garden view I've ever seen out over the city. Inside is no less spectacular, with floor-to-ceiling windows immersing diners in the craggy landscape. We dine on a seasonal, set menu including Jerusalem artichoke soup, beef sirloin with Chinese cabbage, and a rhubarb and raspberry sorbet. The meal is paired with craft cider and the champagne-like Alde Sider we drink is from nearby Hardanger, a region with its own Protected Designation of Origin (my bags are later clanking with bottles from duty free). Equally impressive are beers from Bergen microbrewery 7 Fjell, including the aptly-named Ulriken, a heady double IPA. You can hike from here to the neighbouring Mount Fløyen, but less intrepid travellers can also reach it via the Fløyen funicular from the city centre ( around £14). It's one of Bergen's best-loved attractions and easy to see why as we zoom up, panoramic views unfurling. Within minutes we're on the mountaintop, at the edge of a forest criss-crossed by more accessible trails than those up Ulriken. There's also the upscale Fløirestauranten, serving a 10-course tasting menu. A 10-minute stroll takes us to Lake Skomakerdiket, where you can paddle canoes for free in summer. It's hard to believe such tranquillity is minutes away from Norway's second city. Bergen is the ideal hopping-off point to explore the mountains and fjords, and Voss, western Norway's extreme sports capital is also in easy reach. There's a beautiful greeting natives use when they meet each other again, to thank each other for an enjoyable last encounter: 'Takk for sist.' I'll be saying it to Bergen very soon. Book the holiday Jet2CityBreaks offers a three-night B&B stay at the Thon Hotel Orion in Bergen, Norway, from £649pp. Depart from Manchester on April 24 with 22kg baggage.
