What’s the history of the Port Douglas Race Week ?
Getting underway…
The yacht race that would create the name Clipper Cup originally began in 1972 when members of the Waikiki Yacht Club created a 755-mile “fun race” to “race the winds of paradise”. It was to be an annual summer race around the major islands of Hawaii. Local sailors and visiting yachts competing in the biennial Transpac or Vic-Maui races were invited.
By the sixth “Around the State Race” in 1976, interest in it had noticeably faded and there was talk of disbanding it entirely. Yet, a few WYC members were not ready to give up on what they knew was a good idea. Through their efforts, the race was transformed into a biennial series of races that attracted yachtsmen from around the world.
At the time Australian Dick Gooch was Pan American World Airways sports marketing head in Honolulu. He secured sponsorship assistance from Pan Am and the Clipper Cup Yacht Series was born.
Why the Clipper Cup?
Pan American World Airways, commonly known as Pan Am, was the leading US international air carrier from the late 1920s. Indeed, it continued to serve in this role until its collapse in 1991. The airline was distinguished by its iconic blue globe logo and the use of “Clipper” in its aircraft names.
Pan Am’s sponsorship of the Clipper Cup series, named to reflect this branding, contributed to its growing international recognition. Over the years, from its inception through 1984, the Clipper Cup gained prominence. It grew from 41 yachts to a record 78 entries. The fleet represented countries including Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.
Pan Am’s withdrawal from Hawaii and the end of its promotional activities cast doubt on the future of the Clipper Cup series. The race series became uncertain. Later, it was revived under new sponsorship as the Kenwood Cup. The name “Clipper Cup” faded from view for a while.
Cairns & Port Douglas
In 1995, the inaugural Mirage Resorts Clipper Cup took place in Far North Queensland, Australia. The trophy had been stored at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia after Dick Gooch returned it from Hawaii. This occurred following Pan Am’s closure. The series featured seven races in total. It began with three hosted by Cairns Yacht Club, a 40nm passage to Port Douglas. It concluded with three races organized by Port Douglas Yacht Club. Held in September, the event featured a mix of trade winds and summer sea breezes.
Mike Burgess and Moss Hunt originally proposed the concept for the Port Douglas Carnivale. They envisioned a yacht race from Port Douglas to Lizard Island. The event would include a celebratory gathering back in Port Douglas. While the yacht race did not materialize, the Carnivale evolved into a major annual event. By 1999, the Mirage Resorts Regatta was moved to May to align with the Carnivale and enhance the festivities.
Since 2000, the Clipper Cup, organized by Port Douglas Yacht Club, has been a key event held alongside the Port Douglas Carnivale.
To Race the Winds of Paradise
After a few years of declining participation, the historic trophy and its regatta saw a turnaround in 2012 with two key changes: the introduction of multiple divisions, with winners recognized on the trophy, and a shift to a five-day format from two weekends. This rejuvenation attracted twenty-three yachts to the 2012 Exemplar Clipper Cup Regatta and sparked a decade of success.
Exemplar Coaches and Limousines sponsored the event from 2010 to 2014. In 2015, the event rebranded as Port Douglas Race Week with Mickey Ink Marine as the new sponsor, leading to an increase in visiting boats. The Quicksilver Group then sponsored the regatta from 2017 for six years, followed by Riddoch Insurance Services.
Today, the trophy proudly stands at Port Douglas Yacht Club, symbolizing the region’s premier sailing event.
Race Officials
Every regatta needs a race director, the skilled administrator that calls the shots. Over the years Port Douglas Race Week and the Clipper Cup regattas have been fortunate to have the volunteer assistance of some of the countries finest race officials.
The ’95 Clipper Cup not only attracted forty-four entries, it also attracted the expertise of Arthur and Val Hodge and Bob Brenac. Experienced and qualified race officials that were an essential ingredient of the success of the event.
In 2011 John Graham answered the call to assist and for several years John brought back a steadfast and by the book approach to the clubs premier event.
From 2015 Greg Sinclair and Lister Hughes were integral in maintaining the high standard of race conduct.
Then, in 2021, due to ongoing COVID related travel restrictions Ross Chisholm and Gayleen Lowe took over the helm continuing the tradition of expert on water race management until Greg Sinclair returned in 2024.