Smooth Operator is just 2 days away from Hamilton Island and will make the final leg North after a stop over at Rosslyn Bay, Yepoon on Tuesday evening.

Every August, spectators and yachties from around the globe sail to Hamilton Island for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week - Australia's largest offshore keel-boat regatta.

Race Week was conceived by David Hutchen in 1983, after he had moved to the Whitsundays with his yacht "Banjo Paterson" to start a yacht charter business. David was able to convince the then owner and founder of Hamilton Island, Keith Williams, to agree to hosting the event as a way of generating tourism and favorable media attention to the resort.

After eight years of having Race Week in April, it was moved to August in 1992 to take advantage of more consistent and attractive weather conditions. The change in timing has seen the event grow significantly over the years becoming Australia's largest offshore yachting regatta.

This year Smooth Operator will be keen to better last years 4th placing to compete in Cruising Div 1 up against fellow Victorian 'Avanti' (Jeanneau 49), last years arch rival 'Coopers' (Jeanneau 53) and Sandringham Yacht Clubs 'Kate' (Jeanneau 53).

Owner/Skipper Russ Durham will also be weary of the newly launched Baruch (Bavaria 56) that has provided plenty of hot competition in local Melbourne waters over the warmer Victorian months.

As Durham (aka Accounts Payable) has worked to hone his crew since last years classic, confidence is starting to bubble over for the Victoria skipper. In a brief interview live from the boat today, 'Accounts Payable' noted that he would be attending the AHIRW Gala Presentation Evening on the basis he was going to collect the big prize! I'm not sure whether tickets are available on the day Russ, but good luck!

Lets see what the handicapper has in store for the Smoothy this year...