Hamilton Island Cup
The Hamilton Island Cup is the richest outrigger canoe race in the world with around $100000 in prize money. It is a race that is held annually around the last week in June of each year. The first race was held in 1984 and it has been held annually ever since. Clubs wishing to compete must nominate and pay an entry fee. This race is conducted under AOCRA rules. There are a number of divisions that cater for competitors from different age groups. The masters division caters for those over 35 years of age for women and 40 years of age for men. Senior masters and golden masters cater for those men older than 45 years and 55 years of age. In the general groupings the open men's and women's events are open to any competitor over the age of 20. Juniors divisions cater for those over 14 years of age and possessing parental permission to compete.
The event is carried out in line with regulations laid down by the Queensland water police to ensure the safety of the paddlers. Each canoe must have built in buoyancy fore and aft and carry a tow rope of 25 meters of 12mm silver rope. All canoes will be inspected by the race committee prior to racing to ensure that all procedures are complied with. Each canoe must also be equipped with a proper life jacket for each paddler. Each canoe must also comply with AOCRA specifications.
The event will be conducted in heats and the course will be marked out in lanes with
lane 1 always being closest to the beach. Turns are to be made counter clockwise. Last year a total of 50 national and international clubs registered for the event and they come from a number of Australian and international destinations. The racing itself ranges from short sprints right through to a 42 km marathon. If you need some Hamilton island accommodation while competing or simply being a spectator the Reef View Hotel is ideal for couples and the Whitsunday Holiday apartments will suit families and groups.
HAMILTON ISLAND ACCOMMODATION |
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QUALIA RESORT |
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Winward, Leeward Pavilions & Beach House The 60 spacious one-bedroom freestanding pavilions (Leeward and Windward) provide an indulgent space to relax in and unwind, with either a sundeck or private infinity edge plunge pool. Or, there’s the uncompromising luxury and privacy of the Beach House with its own guest pavilion, private full-size pool and breathtaking views.  |
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YACHT CLUB VILLAS |
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Villas Only a short stroll from the new Hamilton Island Yacht Club, each 4 bedroom Villa, enjoys spectacular views and a unique balance between tranquil serenity and world class facilities, including the new Hamilton Island Championship Golf Course. |
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HOTEL STYLE |
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Palm Bungalows Palm Bungalows are delightful freestanding accommodation situated in a palm fringed tropical garden setting, each with its own balcony and outdoor furniture. Relax amidst the natural setting and enjoy the native flora and fauna that inhabit the island including cockatoos, kangaroos and wallabies.  |
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Whitsunday Holiday Apartments The one bedroom Whitsunday Holiday Apartments combine the convenience of hotel facilities such as housekeeping and movies on demand, with the flexibility of a full size kitchen. Offering landscaped gardens including a pool and spa.  |
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Reef View Hotel Rooms The 4 star Reef View Hotel features extremely spacious, well appointed rooms all with private balconies which overlook either tropical gardens or the breathtaking vista of the Coral Sea  |
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Reef View Hotel Suites The upper most floors of the Reef View Hotel boast a range of newly refurbished and luxuriously appointed suites, including Reef Suites, 1 & 2 bedroom Terrace Suites and Presidential Suites. Each suite has a private balcony which overlooks the spectacular vista of the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Passage. |
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Beach Club Hotel This two storey boutique hotel has beach front views and luxuriously appointed rooms in a contemporary design. The Beach Club allows you to indulge in some of the finest service the Whitsundays has to offer. |
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HOLIDAY HOMES |
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Resort Side Apartments & Standard Villas Resort Side Apt - A choice of 1 or 2 bedroom low-rise apartments located within easy walking distance of Catseye Beach Standard Villas - With a choice of 1, 2, 3 or 4 bedrooms, this range offers generous living areas opening out to balconies with a mix of bushland and ocean views. |
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Superior Villas With a choice of 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms, the Superior Holiday Homes are both stylish and well appointed. Large spacious balconies with a mixture of Coral Sea, bushland and marina views provide a great environment for relaxing and entertaining. |
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Deluxe Villas With a choice of 2, 3 or 4 bedrooms, this range offers spacious open-plan living with the latest in style and design features. Set in elevated positions on the North Eastern and North Western side of the island, each have magnificent views. They are a perfect indulgent escape. |
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Luxury Collection The Luxury Holiday Homes offer an extravagant opportunity to relax in a lavish, modern abode. With expansive views of either the Southern marina foreshore or the Whitsunday Passage, they offer spacious, open-plan entertaining areas, huge kitchen, large private balcony and stylish furnishings throughout. |
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