AIRLIE Beach Race Week in August is shaping up to have the event's biggest field.

Already 38 boat owners representing a broad cross-section of classes have entered, more than double those entered at this time last year.

"We are targeting around 130 entries. It's encouraging to see so many four months out," race director Dennis Thompson said.

"The rationale is that we are way ahead of the game this year with the notice of race and online entry system up and running months in advance of previous years.

"The success of last year's Festival of Sailing has energised competitor interest too."

The Whitsunday Sailing Club-hosted regatta will be held from August 11-18.

So far, entries have come from Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, with others also expected from the ACT and Western Australia.

An Airlie Beach Race Week poster depicting the racing schedule and social program will be distributed to 70 sailing clubs across Australia and New Zealand.

It will further encourage entries and competitors' fam

ily and friends to join the

action and excitement this year.

Sponsors

Race Week chairman Tim Parker said sponsorships had been positive.

"We are looking forward to making a major announcement shortly," Mr Parker said.

"Sponsorship is shaping up nicely.

"Past sponsors Tourism and Events Queensland, Pantaenius Sail and Motor Yacht Insurances, Whitsunday

Regional Council and At

Hotels Group have re-signed and increased their support."

Visit abrw.com.au/sailing/entries to enter your boat.