AUDI Hamilton Island Race Week is one of Australia's favourite yachting events and a firm fixture on the international sailing calendar.

As well as hosting the Australian Yachting Championships for grand prix-level offshore keelboats, Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016 will be the venue for the inaugural Australian Yachting Championship for multihulls.

This will be the first time that the sport's governing body, Yachting Australia has been the coordinator for a major championship for large multihulls at 'Hamo'.

Hamilton Island Race Week, in addition to championship yacht racing, offers competitors, family and friends, the chance to come together to enjoy the convivial atmosphere and unique camaraderie of the event's on-water and off-water carnival.

From August 20-27, spectators and yachties from around the globe sail to Hamilton Island for what is now Australia's largest offshore keelboat regatta.

Perfectly situated on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, amongst Queensland's 74 Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island offers glorious weather, azure waters, brilliant beaches, awe-inspiring coral reefs, fascinating flora and fauna, fine food and wines, and activities almost too numerous to mention.

The notice of race and entry form for this year's race week are available by visiting: hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au.