PAYING homage to the ancient sailing craft of yesteryear, the highlight of the Great Whitsunday Fun Race is the Miss Figurehead competition.

The race offers crews a chance to let their hair down and dress up as everything from bar-room wenches to doctors, nurses, gladiators and even nuns.

After the yachts have completed the course around Pioneer Bay a member of the crew is nominated to bare all for the judging.

Adrian Bram of the Whitsunday Sailing Club said the race was open to everyone with a boat.

"It's a nice easy sail around Pioneer Bay, all people and boats are encouraged to enter," he said.

The event has a long history in the Whitsundays and is another way to enjoy the beautiful surrounds of Airlie Beach while having a bit of fun.

It follows the Airlie Beach Race Week on Saturday, August 20 and has a long history in the Whitsundays.

The race started in 1977 - the result of a personal duel between Allen Southwood and Bob Porter.

The inaugural race attracted a fleet of 98 boats made up of both yachts and dinghies.

Each year sailors in the event the event embrace the light-heartedness of the race and vie for a trophy made from an empty bottle of Mount Gay Rum mounted on a block of Mackay cedar.

More than an event that one wins, the Great Whitsunday Fun Race is a celebration of Whitsunday living.

For more information contact the Whitsunday Sailing Club on 4946 6138 or the commodore of the club Stu Harris directly on 0413 727 544.