World's 83rd richest man will be arriving in the Whitsundays
ERNESTO Bertarelli, a Swiss billionaire, has confirmed he will compete in the Audi Hamilton Island Race Week in August.
Mackay
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THE world's 83rd richest man is coming to the Whitsundays.
Ernesto Bertarelli, a Swiss billionaire whose net worth is about 14.8 billion US dollars, has confirmed he will compete in the Audi Hamilton Island Race Week in August.
The 47-year-old businessman will also be bringing his ritzy 96 metre super yacht, Vava II, to the island.
The well-known philanthropist is also a two-time America's Cup winner.
Bertarelli has chartered Hamilton Island owners Bob Oatley's 66ft racing yacht Wild Oats X.
Wild Oats skipper Mark Richards is looking forward to the racing legend's visit.
"It's going to be exciting to see Ernesto racing," he said.
However, Mr Bertarelli won't be the only celebrity to leave footprints in the Hamilton Island sand.
Hamilton Island regional communications manager Katie Cahill keeps tight-lipped about most famous guests but was happy to drop names like Oprah Winfrey, Miranda Kerr and Collette Dinnigan.
"Guest privacy is our number one priority on Hamilton Island for all our guests and we have a number of celebrities who come in under the radar every year due to this," Ms Cahill said.
Super model Miranda Kerr posted holiday snaps on social media site Instagram when she holidayed in the Whitsundays.
"Qualia and Hamilton Island certainly benefited from Miranda's visit and we received great exposure from her posts, which reached a global audience," Ms Cahill said.
But all eyes will be on the water when Bertarelli visits. He will be sailing with his America's Cup team-mate Kiwi tactician Brad Butterworth.
"Having Ernesto, Brad and the team competing certainly says a lot about Race Week's status in the world of yachting," Mr Richards said.
Originally published as World's 83rd richest man will be arriving in the Whitsundays
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