Festival of Sails draws record numbers

TWO days of world-class sailing took place on the Geelong Waterfront over the long weekend as the Festival of Sails returned for 2025.

The January 25 to 27 event drew record numbers both on and off the water, attracting 100,000 visitors for a weekend of festivities.

The annual event kicked off with 300 yachts taking part in the 182nd Nautica House Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race.

STS Young Endeavour took on the role of the official start boat for the oldest continuously running sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere, firing its cannon to mark the historic race.

Entertainment off the water featured the Regatta Village Stage where favourites including the Southern River Band and Queen Forever performed.

Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in Australia’s largest come and try sailing program, where more than 500 participants took to the water on RS21 keelboats.

Royal Geelong Yacht Club sailing and boating manager Drew Malcolm said the club was thrilled with the incredible response to the program.

“It’s amazing to see so many people from the community getting out on the water and discovering the joy of sailing,” he said.

Team Hollywood took out the number one spot in the Passage Rating Division 1 on IRC and AMS, with skipper Raymond Roberts saying luck is the king of all wins.

“We sailed well, but you still need a bit of luck,” he said.

“I’m happy with the result and always love coming to Geelong. It’s one of the best clubs in Australia and it’s one of our favourites.”

In the Passage Rating Division 2, Clockwork’s co-skippers Andrew Lloyd and Mary Ann Harvey were the overall winners on IRC.

Unpredictable weather caused racing to be cancelled on the final day, but festival goers were still able to enjoy live music, food and drinks and sailing presentations.

For more information and the full list of results, head to festivalofsails.com.au