FOR eight consecutive years, Victorian yachtsman Ross Wilson has looked at the top of the podium at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, but never quite enjoyed the pleasure of standing there.

This year, from August 16-23, he will be back for another attempt at winning the IRC Passage division, with what he considers to be the best formula for success - the same yacht and a crew of good friends who know how to have a fun time both sailing and socially.

"We've been second in our division a few times, but have never quite got to the top," Wilson said.

"Regardless, we keep coming back because we enjoy Audi Hamilton Island Race Week so much."

The majority of Wilson's 12-person crew will be regulars - friends from Sydney, where his yacht, the Beneteau 47.7, Eagle Rock, is based and others from Melbourne, including some who have spent many years racing with the legendary Melbourne yachtsman Lou Abrahams, who passed away late last month.

While this will be Wilson's ninth straight race week with the yacht, it will be his fourteenth time at the regatta in 15 years.

"When you do only one sailing series a year, as is the case for many of us and you always choose Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, it says plenty about our impressions of the regatta," he said.

"We thrive on the intensity of the racing and the scenery you sail by on every course. It has to also be said that we enjoy the post-race dock parties as much as we do the sailing. It's like an annual gathering of the clan."

Audi Hamilton Island Race Week is open to the full spectrum of keelboats, sport boats and multihulls.

The Notice of Race, entry form and regatta information are all available on the regatta website http://www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au.