Nautilus Marine Insurance marked its 20th anniversary during the 40th Hamilton Island Race Week, where more than 155 yachts competed in the Whitsundays over six days of racing.
The provider of marine insurance solutions has partnered with the regatta for the past four years and said the event provides an opportunity to engage directly with yacht owners and crews.
Chief executive officer Lyndon Turner said the dual milestone highlighted the connection between the insurer and the sailing community.
“Our partnership with Race Week over the past four years has been fantastic. Huge credit to the Hamilton Island team and organising committee for creating an event that’s exciting on the water and seamless behind the scenes. We’re proud to be part of this vibrant sailing community and to have been at the event, connecting with sailors, their friends, and families,” he said.
Victorian sailor Tim Foster, who operates the Bluewater Sailing School, entered his Beneteau 40.7 Boomer with a group of friends and students.
Foster said the combination of competition and cruising offered additional learning opportunities.
“This was our second time racing here, and we combined the week on the island with slow cruises up and back to Melbourne giving our students multiple opportunities to learn. The organisation at Race Week is first rate and great value,” he said.
Another Victorian entry, Journey from Sandringham Yacht Club, returned to the event with David Beck of Sundance Marine, his son, and long-standing crewmates.
Beck, a Nautilus customer, said the regatta had become a regular commitment.
“We have done eight Race Weeks since we bought the yacht; it’s a great way to get out of a Melbourne winter and enjoy The Whitsundays,” he said. “This year, we took our time on the way up, cruising the islands and getting in some extra racing.”
Australian Sailing CEO and Olympian Malcolm Page, who competed in his eighth Race Week, said the conditions reinforced the regatta’s status.
He noted that the week brought consistent trade winds, excellent weather, and an opportunity to race in the Whitsundays.
Wild Oats X skipper Mark Richards also acknowledged the support of insurance partners.
“We’re very appreciative of Nautilus Marine Insurance. They do a fantastic job, not only here at the event but also in providing insurance solutions for boat owners. Their support really helps make occasions like this possible,” he said.
