The Perfect Pick | Whitsundays Set for Olympic Sailing
Check out The Perfect Pick – Whitsunday Olympic Sailing 2032, where Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins shares why our region is ready to welcome the world.
“We have the perfect location, the perfect conditions, and the perfect community to host Olympic sailing in 2032 - a naturally iconic setting that will shine on the world stage.”
It is a claim backed by results. 1.23 million visitors every year, over 10,000 visitors accommodated nightly and in 2024 alone, more than 200,000 cruise ship passengers stepped ashore. Visitors are drawn by our world-class sailing waters and by natural icons such as Heart Reef in the Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach, famous for its pure white silica sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Brisbane 2032 will take that buzz to the next level, bringing more people, more energy and more global eyes to the Whitsundays.
Three Venues, One Olympic Region
Our Olympic sailing program will be delivered across three world-class locations, each with unique strengths:
Whitsunday Sailing Club – Airlie Beach
The beating heart of local sailing and home of Airlie Beach Race Week. Prime location, first-class facilities and a strong community spirit.
Port Denison Sailing Club – Bowen
A grassroots sailing powerhouse that helped secure the Whitsundays’ Olympic bid, renowned for its world-class winds and ideal Olympic racing conditions.
Hamilton Island
Famous for Hamilton Island Race Week, with luxury accommodation and facilities ready to host athletes, officials and spectators in style.
Beyond the Water - Whitsunday Regional Sporting Precinct
The Whitsunday Regional Sporting Precinct in Airlie Beach will serve as a key hub for training, preparation and community events during the Games period. With modern multi-sport facilities, spectator amenities and space for team operations, the precinct will complement our sailing venues and ensure both athletes and visitors have access to top-quality infrastructure on and off the water.
What It Means for Our Region
The legacy goes far beyond 2032. Hosting Olympic sailing will be a catalyst for boosting long-term tourism in line with the Queensland Government’s Destination 2045 vision. By showcasing the Whitsundays to a global audience, we are building momentum towards a sustainable, high-value tourism future that benefits our community for decades to come.
