When Cyclone Debbie hit Hamilton Island a few weeks ago, we were considering what colour to change the arrows. Brown didn't seem serious enough for what was happening, and while we watched in disbelief as the arrows climbed higher and higher, Hamilton Island was being torn apart.

Incredibly, the weather station remained intact, recording a gust of 142 knots at the airport; but the same can't be said for a lot of the trees and buildings on the island. As you might expect, roofs were blown off, windows smashed and boats were washed ashore. The Marina was lucky, with only minor damage.

That was weeks ago however, and Hamilton Island is once again open for business. You can still tell the Cyclone was there, but by the time August comes around - the trees will be green, the water will be blue and the infrastructure on the island will be better-than-new. Hamilton Island Race Week will go on - keeping alive the yachties tradition running since 1983.

Already, entries are nearing 100 and organisers are thrilled with the support flowing in from sailors around the country. Everyone's keen to help get Hammo back up to scratch, and the best way to do so is by having one big party in August - Hamilton Island Race Week: Australia Largest Offshore Regatta. This year from the 19th to 26th August.

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