Evening races return to city’s twilight skyline

ROYAL Geelong Yacht Club’s Ports Victoria Twilight Series has returned for 2022-23, with experienced sailors and novices alike combining for a leisurely competition.

The races happen in a “stern chaser” format, where the smallest, slowest boats take off first, followed each minute by vessels that become progressively faster, as they set sail for the finish line.

RGYC invites casual racers and non-members to the light-hearted races, who can be paired with a yacht willing to take on new crew members or in need of a helping hand.

The club’s sailing and boating manager Drew Malcolm said the twilight series had become a popular summer stable of the city’s ailing calendar.

“Sailing at twilight is really nice, especially in summer when it’s a nice hot day and you’re out there at sunset.

“It’s very cruisy, and it’s often nicely paired with a glass of wine of a cold drink in your hand and a cheese platter by the water.”

Surf Coast sailor Shane Belyea has been among the regular twilight series competitors in recent years, and said the evening races created an impressive spectacle from Geelong’s foreshore.

“One of the things I’ve learnt is that Geelong is one of the prime spots for sailing, even on a global scale, esepcially from a spectator’s point of view – that surprised me and a lot of people,” he said.

“It’s generally 200 metres just off Cunningham Pier somewhere along that section, just off Eastern and Western Beach.

“You have 30 to 40 yachts all worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and when they’re tussling for the finish line and have their full sails set, it’s really spectacular.

“Especially when the boats are coming within metre of each other, you don’t know if they’re going to hit or not – sometimes we don’t know until the last moment.

“It’s something to witness that looks quite beautiful.”

Mr Belyea said the event was popular among Surf Coast sailors such as himself and even international visitors who used the casual events as a new way to experience Geelong.

RGYC’s twilight races begin each Wednesday night, weather permitting, from 6pm in Corio Bay.