AUDI Hamilton Island Race Week is fast approaching and entries are now open for all boats looking to compete in this year's event.

As well as hosting the Australian Yachting Championships for grand prix level offshore keelboats, Hamilton Island will be the venue for the inaugural Australian Yachting Championship for multi-hull craft.

This will be the first time the sport's governing body, Yachting Australia, has been the co-ordinator for a major championship for large multi-hulls.

Hamilton Island CEO and world champion sailor Glenn Bourke said Yachting Australia would be sure to deliver the highest standard of racing.

"It is an honour for us; a fitting tribute to what is the 33rd staging of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, that Yachting Australia has nominated the regatta as the venue for the staging of the Australian Multi-hull Championship," he said.

"The event will sit well alongside the three major keelboat Australian championships that will also be decided at this year's regatta".

Yachting Australia president Matt Allen announced multi-hulls would become part of the Australian Yachting Championship this year.

"Multi-hull racing is a huge growth area for the sport and we're pleased to introduce a multi-hull racing class as part of our premier offshore championship," he said.

"There's no better place than Hamilton Island to kick this off. Sailing in the Whitsundays always provides variable conditions, challenging courses and the opportunity for great racing so I'm sure the multi-hulls will enjoy the experience."

Entry forms for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016 are now posted on the Race Week website. The regatta is Australia's largest offshore sailing series.