Celebrating sailing, community and family fun in Geelong

GEELONG’s waterfront came alive over the January long weekend, with the Festival of Sails taking centre stage and delighting thousands of locals and tourists.

From world class racing to vibrant onshore festivities, the event showcased the city’s unique blend of maritime tradition, community spirit and local pride.

 

The STS Young Endeavour kicked off the celebrations on Saturday morning, setting the stage for the weekend and firing a cannon to signal the start of the iconic Passage Race.

 

The 183rd edition saw hundreds of competitors depart Melbourne before racing down the bay to Geelong in near-perfect conditions. Local boats made a strong showing with Shaw Thing, skippered by Royal Geelong Yacht Club’s Cam Rae and his team, finishing third in AMS, and Triballistic, skippered by Ian Holten, taking first place in the five-day Australian Multihull Championships.

 

Local cadets Jack Benyan and Louis Davis also performed in the International Cadet Sprint Series, winning the competition and taking out the W.L Curtis Memorial Trophy.

Festival of Sails chair Phil Francis said this year’s event had been nothing short of incredible.

“The weather was perfect for sailing, and it was wonderful to see such great participation and atmosphere throughout the weekend,” he said.

“The event brings together our staff, volunteers, competitors, and the local community, and I couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who helped make it happen. It’s been a real team effort.

“I love the camaraderie and inclusiveness the festival creates. Seeing sailors interacting with the community, families enjoying the waterfront, and locals embracing the event is what makes Festival of Sails so special.”

 

City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj echoed Mr Francis’s sentiments.

“The City of Greater Geelong is proud to support the Festival of Sails, a flagship event in our major events calendar that truly embodies summer in Geelong,” Cr Kontelj said.