The forecast allowed organisers to hold the Double Cones race, featuring a mass start off two lines on Pioneer Bay. This marked the opener of the 2026 Jeanneau Yachts presented by Mooloolaba Yacht Brokers and 74 Islands Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW), showcasing a spectacular sight for all participants. Ray Roberts’ Team Hollywood (NSW), a Botin 40, won IRC Division 1, finishing nearly 15 minutes ahead of Grant Pocklington’s Bakewell-White 40, Anarchy (NSW), while Kiwi Brian Petersen’s TP52, V5, took third place. Peter Hackett’s Corsair F28r, Intrigue (Qld), won Division 3, with Terry Archer’s Grainger 075, G’Nome, just shy of the lead. The regatta commenced with a 30 nautical mile course for Multihull Division 0 and 27 nautical miles for IRC Rating, PHS Racing, and Multihull Racing Divisions 1 and 2.