Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What time is the first race on the first day?: A: Be prepared for an early start on Day 1. It will kick off at approx 0930hrs, depending on your division. The start times on other days will vary, but will generally be between 1030hrs and 1130hrs.
Q: When will racing be finished on the last day?: A: The scheduled start time for the last day of racing is approx 0930hrs, depending on your division. Racing should be concluding by approx 1430hrs, at which time we are scheduling the presentation ceremony at the Competitors Marquee at Meridien Marinas Abel Point. The last time for a start will be 1400hrs
Q: What is the cost for a Marina Berth?: A: Marina fees for competing boats are included within the Entry Fee. This covers the period from midday 13th August 2008 to midday 22nd August 2008. Boats wishing to be berthed at Meridien Marinas Abel Point outside of the times/dates listed above will need to make separate arrangements with the helpful staff at Meridien Marinas Abel Point. Bookings can be made from via http://www.abelpointmarina.com.au/bookings.php. For further information telephone: 07 4946 2400 or e-mail: reservations@abelpointmarina.com.au. For a map of the marina go to http://www.abelpointmarina.com.au/navigation_and_maps.php
Q: What do I need to do in order to be allocated a marina berth?: A: Submit an entry and pay your entry fee by the close of entries date, a CONTRACT (collecting contact details and insurance information) will be forwarded and will required to be completed and forwarded back to Meridien Marinas Abel Point Reservations prior to berthing your vessel. The marina staff will allocate the marina berths to best accommodate the Meridien Airlie Beach Race Week fleet.
Q: Upon reaching Meridien Marinas Abel Point by water, what is the procedure?: A: Meridien Marinas Abel Point berths are booked from midday to midday, if you require a berth prior to midday, you will need to book your vessel in for the day before. When you arrive at Airlie Beach's Meridien Marinas Abel Point by water after midday, please call Meridien Marinas Abel Point on VHF Channel 09, as early as possible. The call-sign is " Abel Point Marina". Alternatively you may contact the reservations office on 07 4946 2400. The Marina staff will direct you to the pen you have been allocated. Vessels are not to enter the marina unless they have been allocated a berth by marina staff. All berths must be booked in advance - allocations will only be given at midday on the day you have booked your vessel a berth. If you arrive before midday and do not have a berth booked, contact reservations and they will do their best to accommodate your vessel, however, you may have to anchor off until they are able to do so.
Q: My keel-boat is arriving by road transport. Where should we go?: A: Hawkes Boatyard, situated in the centre of Meridien Marinas Abel Point on Shingley Drive has a 50 tonne marine travel-lift. They have been lifting racing boats in and out of the water for the past ten years. They have a maxi pit, which can accommodate deep keeled boats, also special cradles for racing yachts unable to stand on their keels. For any further info please ring Carol or Roger at Hawkes Boatyard on 07 4946 6700
Q: I am towing my Trailable yacht to the event. Where do I go?: A: There is a council boat-launching ramp on Shingley Drive between the marina at Meridien Marinas Abel Point and Hawkes Boatyard (look at the town map on the event website).
Q: Where can I store my boat trailer?: A: It is planned that trailer storage will be on the grounds of Whitsunday Sailing Club. This is a two-minute drive from the boat ramp.
Q: I have entered the regatta. What else do you need from me?: A: To be eligible to sail, we need every entrant to pay their entry fee by the close of entries date - August 8th 2008. Whilst each and every entrant is not required to provide a copy of a current Insurance certificate showing liability coverage to a minimum A$10,000,000.00, you will be required to sign a document to say that you have such insurance coverage. If you haven't been in Meridien Marinas Abel Point before, you will also need to fill out a marina contract agreement. For entrants in all PHS based divisions (this includes cruising divisions), we need to be supplied with a photo of your vessel. This is to aid our handicapping committee in setting fair handicaps for all competitors. This image needs to be submitted by the 8th of August. The above documentation can be e-mailed to info@airliebeachraceweek.com.au or sent to Meridien Airlie Beach Race Week, Po Box 999 Airlie Beach QLD 4802.
Q: How do I pay my entry fee?: A: Pay by the secure system on the electronic entry form, or by transfer direct to our bank account. The details are: Account name: Airlie Beach Race Week, Westpac, Cannonvale, BSB: 034-665. Account Number: 14-7994. Ensure you include the vessel name with the payment. An entry fee received after 8th August will incur an additional charge of $250.00
Q: I believe I am up to date with my documentation for the event (ie: Entry Fee payment and Photo for PHS). Can I check that you have received this documentation?: A: Yes. Go to the "Entry List" section of the website and click on your division. You will notice that some entrants have an "OK" listed next to them. Those entrants listed "OK" have submitted all relevant documentation and have paid the entry fee. If you are not listed as "OK" and believe you have fulfilled the requirements, you need to contact us at info@airliebeachraceweek.com.au.
Q: My entry is all squared-away. I am listed as "OK" on the website. What happens now?: A: ALL competing yachts need to Register for the regatta at Event Registration. This takes place at regatta headquarters, Meridien Marinas Abel Point on Thursday August the 14th between the hours of 10am and 5pm. Only one representative need attend Registration. You will be asked to confirm your entry details and will be handed a copy of the sailing instructions and course booklet.
Q: Where is the Regatta Office and when will it open?: A: The Regatta Office will be based at Meridien Marinas Abel Point. It will be operational every race day from dawn to dusk. Prior to the regatta, it's best to contact the Regatta Director on 0417 686 640 with any queries.
Q: I am still looking for accommodation for the regatta. Any ideas where to find some?: A: We have Accommodation Partners listed on the website. We suggest contacting Tourism Whitsundays on 1800 801 252 or e-mail them on info@whitsundaytourism.com
Q: What is the Special Regulations Category for the regatta?: A: Category 5. We are making a slight exception for the Trailable divisions, in that the VHF Radio need not be permanently installed.
Q: Do I need to produce a Special Regulations Equipment compliance form?: A: No, although there will be spot checks to ensure compliance throughout the event.
Q: Will there be a list of important phone numbers?: A: You will be handed a competitors pack at Regatta Registration. It will contain a list of the common services and contact details that sailors generally require.
Q: Is there a briefing? Is it compulsory?: A: Yes, and yes - attendance is compulsory for at least one member of each competing yacht. The briefing is held as part of the "Welcome Night" function at Regatta Headquarters and will take place at 1900hs on Thursday the 14th of August. We encourage all entrants to bring the crew down enjoy the night..
Q: Will the Competitors Marquee be operational before the event?: A: No. The first cold refreshments will be poured after the first day of racing on Friday the 15th of August.
Q: Who sets the Handicaps?: A: The event sets handicaps in the PHS Racing and Cruising Spinnaker and Cruising Non-Spinnaker classes. The IRC Handicapped boats have their handicap pre-assigned by the RORC (ensure your IRC Certificate is current). For the Sports Boat Divisions, we use the Sports Boat Measurement System (SMS) handicaps.
Q: When will I know my Handicap?: A: Provisional Handicaps will be finalised by 1700hrs on Wednesday the 13th August. They will be posted on the Official Notice Board and on the event website.
Q: Do I have to apply stickers to my boat, or will event staff do that for me?: A: Meridien Airlie Beach Race Week decals will be handed to you at Regatta Registration on Thursday 14th August. It is your responsibility to ensure they are affixed to your hull as per the Sailing Instructions.
Q: Are there flags that we need to fly?: A: Yes. You will be given a coloured flag, in accordance with your division. This flag needs to be flown from the backstay at all times whilst racing. You will also be given a great new Meridien Airlie Beach Race Week battle flag. We will ask all competitors to fly these flags whilst at the dock. They also make a nice memento of the event.
Q: I may be needing a crew. Can u help?: A: Yes. We have posted a "Crew Available" page on the website. Go to the "Noticeboard" section of the site for more info. Also, we will be allocating space on the actual event notice board at the regatta for general notices. Finally, you could fax a "crew wanted" note to the Whitsunday Sailing Club on 07 4946 7573. Attention it to Robyn. She will ensure it is posted on a notice board in the club prior to the event.
Q: I would like to crew on a boat. What should I do?: A: We have posted a "Crew Wanted" page on the website. Go to the "Noticeboard" section of the site for more info.
Q: Where can I buy Regatta merchandise?: A: There will be a merchandise stall set up at the Competitors Marquee. It will be open for business each afternoon of Meridien Airlie Beach Race Week.
Q: When can I see the Sailing Instructions?: A: It is our intention to post the Sailing Instructions for the event on the website by Friday 8th August. Hard copies will be available upon Registration. Spare copies will be available from the Regatta Office at the Marina from Friday the 15th August.
Q: Where can my family and friends find results and news for the event?: A: The event website will have the results posted before they event hit the notice boards. There will also be a wide ranging set of media reports on the site under "Latest News". The popular sailing website sail-world.com will also have a lot of race week coverage. They offer a free subscription to sailing updates as well.


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	Frequently Asked Questions by Entrants to Meridien Airlie Beach Race Week
	Q: What time is the first race on the first day? A: Be prepared for an early start on Day 1. It will kick off at approx 0930hrs, depending on your division. The start times on other days will vary, but will generally be between 1030hrs and 1130hrs. Q: When will racing be finished on the last day? A: The scheduled start time for the last day of racing is approx 0930hrs, depending on your division. Racing should be concluding by approx 1430hrs, at which time we are scheduling the presentation ceremony at the Competitors Marquee at Meridien Marinas Abel Point. The last time for a start will be 1400hrs Q: What is the cost for a Marina Berth? A: Marina fees for competing boats are included within the Entry Fee. This covers the period from midday 13th August 2008 to midday 22nd August 2008. Boats wishing to be berthed at Meridien Marinas Abel Point outside of the times/dates listed above will need to make separate arrangements with the helpful staff at Meridien Marinas Abel Point. Bookings can be made from via http://www.abelpointmarina.com.au/bookings.php. For further information telephone: 07 4946 2400 or e-mail: reservations@abelpointmarina.com.au. For a map of the marina go to http://www.abelpointmarina.com.au/navigation_and_maps.php Q: What do I need to do in order to be allocated a marina berth? A: Submit an entry and pay your entry fee by the close of entries date, a CONTRACT (collecting contact details and insurance information) will be forwarded and will required to be completed and forwarded back to Meridien Marinas Abel Point Reservations prior to berthing your vessel. The marina staff will allocate the marina berths to best accommodate the Meridien Airlie Beach Race Week fleet. Q: Upon reaching Meridien Marinas Abel Point by water, what is the procedure? A: Meridien Marinas Abel Point berths are booked from midday to midday, if you require a berth prior to midday, you will need to book your vessel in for the day before. When you arrive at Airlie Beach's Meridien Marinas Abel Point by water after midday, please call Meridien Marinas Abel Point on VHF Channel 09, as early as possible. The call-sign is " Abel Point Marina". Alternatively you may contact the reservations office on 07 4946 2400. The Marina staff will direct you to the pen you have been allocated. Vessels are not to enter the marina unless they have been allocated a berth by marina staff. All berths must be booked in advance - allocations will only be given at midday on the day you have booked your vessel a berth. If you arrive before midday and do not have a berth booked, contact reservations and they will do their best to accommodate your vessel, however, you may have to anchor off until they are able to do so. Q: My keel-boat is arriving by road transport. Where should we go? A: Hawkes Boatyard, situated in the centre of Meridien Marinas Abel Point on Shingley Drive has a 50 tonne marine travel-lift. They have been lifting racing boats in and out of the water for the past ten years. They have a maxi pit, which can accommodate deep keeled boats, also special cradles for racing yachts unable to stand on their keels. For any further info please ring Carol or Roger at Hawkes Boatyard on 07 4946 6700 Q: I am towing my Trailable yacht to the event. Where do I go? A: There is a council boat-launching ramp on Shingley Drive between the marina at Meridien Marinas Abel Point and Hawkes Boatyard (look at the town map on the event website). Q: Where can I store my boat trailer? A: It is planned that trailer storage will be on the grounds of Whitsunday Sailing Club. This is a two-minute drive from the boat ramp. Q: I have entered the regatta. What else do you need from me? A: To be eligible to sail, we need every entrant to pay their entry fee by the close of entries date - August 8th 2008. Whilst each and every entrant is not required to provide a copy of a current Insurance certificate showing liability coverage to a minimum A$10,000,000.00, you will be required to sign a document to say that you have such insurance coverage. If you haven't been in Meridien Marinas Abel Point before, you will also need to fill out a marina contract agreement. For entrants in all PHS based divisions (this includes cruising divisions), we need to be supplied with a photo of your vessel. This is to aid our handicapping committee in setting fair handicaps for all competitors. This image needs to be submitted by the 8th of August. The above documentation can be e-mailed to info@airliebeachraceweek.com.au or sent to Meridien Airlie Beach Race Week, Po Box 999 Airlie Beach QLD 4802. Q: How do I pay my entry fee? A: Pay by the secure system on the electronic entry form, or by transfer direct to our bank account. The details are: Account name: Airlie Beach Race Week, Westpac, Cannonvale, BSB: 034-665. Account Number: 14-7994. Ensure you include the vessel name with the payment. An entry fee received after 8th August will incur an additional charge of $250.00 Q: I believe I am up to date with my documentation for the event (ie: Entry Fee payment and Photo for PHS). Can I check that you have received this documentation? A: Yes. Go to the "Entry List" section of the website and click on your division. You will notice that some entrants have an "OK" listed next to them. Those entrants listed "OK" have submitted all relevant documentation and have paid the entry fee. If you are not listed as "OK" and believe you have fulfilled the requirements, you need to contact us at info@airliebeachraceweek.com.au. Q: My entry is all squared-away. I am listed as "OK" on the website. What happens now? A: ALL competing yachts need to Register for the regatta at Event Registration. This takes place at regatta headquarters, Meridien Marinas Abel Point on Thursday August the 14th between the hours of 10am and 5pm. Only one representative need attend Registration. You will be asked to confirm your entry details and will be handed a copy of the sailing instructions and course booklet. Q: Where is the Regatta Office and when will it open? A: The Regatta Office will be based at Meridien Marinas Abel Point. It will be operational every race day from dawn to dusk. Prior to the regatta, it's best to contact the Regatta Director on 0417 686 640 with any queries. Q: I am still looking for accommodation for the regatta. Any ideas where to find some? A: We have Accommodation Partners listed on the website. We suggest contacting Tourism Whitsundays on 1800 801 252 or e-mail them on info@whitsundaytourism.com Q: What is the Special Regulations Category for the regatta? A: Category 5. We are making a slight exception for the Trailable divisions, in that the VHF Radio need not be permanently installed. Q: Do I need to produce a Special Regulations Equipment compliance form? A: No, although there will be spot checks to ensure compliance throughout the event. Q: Will there be a list of important phone numbers? A: You will be handed a competitors pack at Regatta Registration. It will contain a list of the common services and contact details that sailors generally require. Q: Is there a briefing? Is it compulsory? A: Yes, and yes - attendance is compulsory for at least one member of each competing yacht. The briefing is held as part of the "Welcome Night" function at Regatta Headquarters and will take place at 1900hs on Thursday the 14th of August. We encourage all entrants to bring the crew down enjoy the night.. Q: Will the Competitors Marquee be operational before the event? A: No. The first cold refreshments will be poured after the first day of racing on Friday the 15th of August. Q: Who sets the Handicaps? A: The event sets handicaps in the PHS Racing and Cruising Spinnaker and Cruising Non-Spinnaker classes. The IRC Handicapped boats have their handicap pre-assigned by the RORC (ensure your IRC Certificate is current). For the Sports Boat Divisions, we use the Sports Boat Measurement System (SMS) handicaps. Q: When will I know my Handicap? A: Provisional Handicaps will be finalised by 1700hrs on Wednesday the 13th August. They will be posted on the Official Notice Board and on the event website. Q: Do I have to apply stickers to my boat, or will event staff do that for me? A: Meridien Airlie Beach Race Week decals will be handed to you at Regatta Registration on Thursday 14th August. It is your responsibility to ensure they are affixed to your hull as per the Sailing Instructions. Q: Are there flags that we need to fly? A: Yes. You will be given a coloured flag, in accordance with your division. This flag needs to be flown from the backstay at all times whilst racing. You will also be given a great new Meridien Airlie Beach Race Week battle flag. We will ask all competitors to fly these flags whilst at the dock. They also make a nice memento of the event. Q: I may be needing a crew. Can u help? A: Yes. We have posted a "Crew Available" page on the website. Go to the "Noticeboard" section of the site for more info. Also, we will be allocating space on the actual event notice board at the regatta for general notices. Finally, you could fax a "crew wanted" note to the Whitsunday Sailing Club on 07 4946 7573. Attention it to Robyn. She will ensure it is posted on a notice board in the club prior to the event. Q: I would like to crew on a boat. What should I do? A: We have posted a "Crew Wanted" page on the website. Go to the "Noticeboard" section of the site for more info. Q: Where can I buy Regatta merchandise? A: There will be a merchandise stall set up at the Competitors Marquee. It will be open for business each afternoon of Meridien Airlie Beach Race Week. Q: When can I see the Sailing Instructions? A: It is our intention to post the Sailing Instructions for the event on the website by Friday 8th August. Hard copies will be available upon Registration. Spare copies will be available from the Regatta Office at the Marina from Friday the 15th August. Q: Where can my family and friends find results and news for the event? A: The event website will have the results posted before they event hit the notice boards. There will also be a wide ranging set of media reports on the site under "Latest News". The popular sailing website sail-world.com will also have a lot of race week coverage. They offer a free subscription to sailing updates as well.

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