How the slowest yacht can win a trophy
With the fleet for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week expected to exceed 200 within days and the total likely to sail past the record of 216 soon after, there is one trophy this year that even the slowest yacht can win. 
'Competitors head off on Day 1 of the Audi Hamilton Island Race Week'
Jack Atley© Click Here to view large photo
It's the Prix d'Elegance, and following the success of the inaugural event last year the organisers have decided to expand the competition so it becomes more fun for everyone at this year's 25th anniversary regatta.
In 2007 there was just one official award, and that was made to the best presented yacht and crew. This year it will be judged during a sail past as the fleet departs the harbour for racing on the morning of Monday, August 25, and there will be two categories:
? The best presented yacht and crew
? The best fun-themed yacht and crew
The prizes will be awarded to the category winners at the Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 25th Anniversary Trophy Presentation Dinner on the evening of Saturday, August 30. The regatta will be staged from August 23 - 30.
As Race Week approaches Hamilton Island is continuing to expand in spectacular fashion via major upgrades in accommodation and the development of new facilities.
Among the new projects being undertaken is the spectacular 18-hole Hamilton Island Golf Course, and the impressive Hamilton Island Yacht Club villa complex.
The first significant development to be established under the new plan, 'qualia', is a world class resort situated on the secluded northern-most tip of the island.
All regatta information is available on the website
www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au
by Rob mundle 
Devonport, TAS
