Sandy Peacock--a Sydney-based advertising agency owner who was at the first Hamilton Island Race Week in 1984 working as a yachting journalist and photographer--found a long-forgotten box of images from the Australian event. This year's Audi Hamilton Island Race Week will be held Aug. 17 to 24.
The leaping “Gherkin”: Jack Rooklyn’s maxi, Apollo, affectionately known as “The Gherkin”, bursts through a wave during the inaugural Hamilton Island Race Week in 1984.Sandy Peacock/Audi Hamilton Island Race Week
Heading for a knockdown: Jack Rooklyn’s maxi Apollo struggles in a strong breeze during the inaugural Hamilton Island Race Week.Sandy Peacock/Audi Hamilton Island Race Week
Galatea (G. Savage) shows how not to lower the spinnaker during the inaugural Hamilton Island Race Week in 1984.Sandy Peacock/Audi Hamilton Island Race Week
One giant leap: Peter Briggs’ Hitchhiker on her way to the top of the podium – the champion yacht at the inaugural Hamilton Island Race Week.Sandy Peacock/Audi Hamilton Island Race Week
Syd Fischer’s maxi, Ragamuffin, harnesses a tropical trade wind off Hamilton Island using a blooper as well as a spinnaker.Sandy Peacock/Audi Hamilton Island Race Week
Dinghy jousting was part of the lay-day entertainment.Sandy Peacock/Audi Hamilton Island Race Week
The fleet at rest: The crew of Joe Goddard’s Inch by Winch – one of the 93 yachts at the inaugural Hamilton Island Race Week – relax on the foredeck post-race inside Hamilton Island’s harbour.Sandy Peacock/Audi Hamilton Island Race Week