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19-26 AUGUST 2023
Join the 2023 Hamilton Island Race Week on ‘Merit’
No sailing experience required.
”How is it possible that a bunch of non-sailors can crew a Volvo 60 in Hamilton Island Race Week?
The Moreton Group took a chance: crewing for Hamilton Island Race Week on ‘Merit’.
None of them were sailors.
Two days’ training. Two Line Honours. A Second and a Third on Handicap. Best-dressed boat in the Prix D’Elegance.
Their guest, world-renowned speaker Dan Clarke, said it was ‘the best experience’ of his life. Which is saying something considering Dan’s done quite a lot of interesting things.
Now it’s your turn
What an opportunity to bring your team and take your staff to the next level.
Excellent corporate branding and marketing opportunities available (take a look at what The Moreton Group did with the mainsail!).
Or, just book a place for yourself and connect with a bunch of others who are ready for adventure.
Hamilton Island Race Week o ‘Merit’ is a ‘must do’ event, whether you’re an experienced sailor or not. We’ll make sure you’re given a position that suits your interests and skills so that you can make the most of your time on the water. And if you’re bringing a ‘plus one’ who won’t be onboard with you, there are loads of on-shore event options that make for Instagrammable moments. We recommend you book your place on ‘Merit’ early, as accommodation on island fills up quickly.
Book your place on ‘Merit’ for Hamilton Island Race Week
*** 8 of the 16 places are sold! ***
HAMILTON ISLAND RACE WEEK
Hamilton Island Race Week is one of those experiences you grin about long after it’s done.

Your package includes:
- Race Entry fees
- Racing each day during Hamilton Island Race Week
- 2 days’ training (click here to read about the training)
- Racing shirt and cap
- Lunch and snacks on race days
PRICE: $2,795 inc. GST.
The training days
Practise the basics of sailing including hoisting, manoeuvring and dropping sails, including spinnakers. Two days of hands-on sailing around Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays.
Open to everyone including those with no previous experience.
This training days are part of the Hamilton Island Race Week Program for ‘Merit’. Find more details here.
Your Skipper
Owner/Skipper Michael Schwarzel holds a Royal Yachting Association Offshore Yachtmaster Certificate and is a qualified sailing instructor.
Experience? He’s crossed oceans, won trophies, dealt with those moments at sea you’d rather avoid, plus rebuilt ‘Merit’ almost from scratch after Cyclone Debbie. With his ‘plan, prepare, execute’ approach, even novices feel safe and have an excellent time participating on board.
“Wow! … Thank you for the experience of a lifetime.”
“I’d never been sailing before, much less on a vessel built for speed. What a truly enjoyable experience.”
“Don’t miss this great opportunity to experience offshore yacht racing at its best.”
CoVid-19 Cancellation Policy
If the event is cancelled due to CoVid-19, Grand Prix Yachting will provide a full refund. If The Charterer is unable to attend the event due to a lockdown in their home state or region, Grand Prix Yachting will issue a full refund. However, if The Charterer is quarantined as an individual or part of a group, Grand Prix Yachting will not issue a refund and The Charterer should rely on their Travel Insurance.
Charter Agreement
Once you let us know you’re coming, we’ll send you a Charter Agreement for signature. You can view the contents of that here.
*** Credit for the images of The Moreton Group on ‘Merit’ goes to the fabulous Lucinda Bartkaitas of LB Designs, who travelled as a guest of The Moreton Group. Lu is one gutsy photographer! ***