Adrian Lewis´ Hanse 495 sailing yacht Geomatic will be a family affair when racing at the Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2012, with husband, wife as well as their two children aboard. Moreover, the Geomatic yacht has just become the 50th entry for this popular yacht race.

Geomatic Joker yacht at AHIRW Image: Andrew Francolini/AUDI

Geomatic yacht, an impressive new Hanse 495 owned by Adrian Lewis, out of Mornington on Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay, was the yacht that took the fleet for this year’s regatta into the 50s. The 15.4 metre long sloop, which was built in Northern Germany, will be competing in the regatta’s most popular division, Cruising.

Audi Hamilton Island Race Week caters for the full spectrum of keelboats – from non-spinnaker cruising yachts and sport boats through to Grand Prix level racers. There will also be a division for high-performance multihulls this year.

This will be Lewis’ third Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, and the first time he has competed with his own yacht. In 2006 he was in a three-way share in Geomatic Joker at Race Week, and prior to that he was crew aboard a friend’s yacht.

“Race Week is the regatta you just have to do,” Lewis said. “Apart from the great camaraderie between competing crews, I really enjoy the courses that take you around all the deserted islands, and the challenge that comes with the tidal currents in the Whitsundays makes the racing even more interesting.

“I’m also looking forward to it being a family affair for me this year. As well as having four friends in the crew, my 16-year-old daughter, Anastasia, and 14-year-old son, Will, will be on board. My wife, Sarah, is scheduled to make the occasional appearance, depending on the weather and what social functions there are to be enjoyed on shore each day.”

Audi Hamilton Island Race Week organisers are expecting a fleet of around 200 for this year’s event, which is scheduled for August 17 to 25. The number has rapidly approached 60 since Geomatic’s entry was lodged.

All information relating to Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2012 is on the regatta website. The Notice of Race and Entry Form are also on the site.

Luxury carmaker, Audi, returns as the main partner of Hamilton Island Race Week in 2012. The German premium brand offers a range of high-end events on the island for yacht owners and guests to enjoy. This will be part of an extensive and diverse social calendar during the week.