Back on water

THE Geelong waterfront will come to life this January long weekend for the return of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest keelboat regatta.

The Festival of Sails takes centre stage and promises three days of free waterfront celebrations and five days of world class sailing across Corio Bay.

The world class event blends elite international competition with one of regional Victoria’s biggest and most vibrant community festivals.

Mayor Stretch Kontelj and RGYC commodore Paul Buchholz are ready for a huge Festival of Sails.

At the heart of the action will be the 183rd Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race which will deliver a spectacular fleet arrival into Corio Bay.

For those keen to experience the excitement firsthand, Festival of Sails is once again offering free Come and Try Sailing experiences on state-of-the-art RS21 keelboats.

Highlighting this year’s festival is a three-day lineup of live music, with 30 bands scheduled to play across the weekend, including the Emerging Artist Series.

There will also be a focus on Made in Geelong, with a new showcase stage, artisan and specialty traders market and a classic car showcase.

RGYC sailors and instructors Evie McDonald and Georgia Delaney. RGYC sailor Gerard Whelan (RGYC sailor) and RGYC major events coordinator Maiys Winduss. Mayor Stretch Kontelj, RGYC commodore Paul Buchholz and chair of Geelong major events committee Andrew Katos.

Tall ships STS Young Endeavour and Enterprize will be available to explore across the weekend, while the fireworks will also make a return on the first night.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the festival remained one of the city’s most cherished events.

“The Festival of Sails is a much-loved Geelong tradition, and the City of Greater Geelong is proud to support the 183rd edition through Geelong Major Events.

“The event brings our waterfront to life and connects our community and visitors through sailing and celebration over the Australia Day long weekend.”

Royal Geelong Yacht Club commodore Paul Buchholz said the club continues to grow the festival’s reach both on the water and across the community.

“Festival of Sails has always been about more than racing, it’s about people, the sailing community, and the Geelong community.

“We’re building a festival that is more inclusive than ever, with more opportunities for different classes of boats to participate, and more ways for the community to engage, celebrate and feel part of something truly special on Geelong’s waterfront.

“This is Geelong’s event, and we’re proud of how deeply it connects sailing with the city.”

The Festival of Sails will be held from January 24 to January 26.

Free festival tickets are now available via festivalofsails.com.au