A new two-race entry option, free January berthing for interstate competitors and five major championships are among the initiatives aimed at attracting more sailors to Festival of Sails 2027 in Geelong.
Returning to Royal Geelong Yacht Club from 23–26 January 2027, Festival of Sails is encouraging both first-time entrants and returning competitors to join the fleet, with racing opportunities catering for different levels of experience.
Festival of Sails Chair Chris Manton said organisers wanted to broaden participation while maintaining the competitive racing and social atmosphere for which the event is known.
“We want more sailors to experience what makes the Festival of Sails so special. Whether you’re entering for the first time, returning after a few years away or competing in one of our major championships, there’s a place for you at the Festival,” Manton said.
A Taste of Festival of Sails for $190
One of the initiatives for 2027 is the Passage Mini Series, designed for eligible first-time competitors and sailors returning to the event after an absence of five or more years.
For $190 per boat, entrants can take part in two races, beginning with the Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race on Saturday 23 January.
The second race takes place on Corio Bay on Sunday 24 January.
The entry package also includes access to the new Sailors Lounge and a welcome round of drinks for the crew.
“We know there are sailors who have thought about entering Festival of Sails but haven’t quite made it to the start line,” Manton said.
“The Passage Mini Series gives them a chance to experience the Passage Race and enjoy everything that comes with being part of the Festival, in a mini format.”
The Festival is also encouraging more women and younger sailors to participate, with dedicated recognition for female and youth skippers across the racing programme.
Free January Berthing for Interstate Yachts
Another incentive for visiting competitors is complimentary berthing at Royal Geelong Yacht Club throughout January.
Interstate yachts entered in Festival of Sails 2027 will be offered free berthing from 1–31 January, giving visiting crews greater flexibility when planning their trip to Geelong.
The arrangement could be particularly attractive to yachts returning from the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, allowing crews to incorporate Festival of Sails into their summer racing programme.
It also provides an opportunity to spend additional time in Geelong before or after the regatta.
Five Championships Feature in January Programme
Festival of Sails 2027 will form part of a wider January sailing programme featuring five major championships.
The Australian Yachting Championship headlines the main Festival racing programme, hosted in partnership with Australian Sailing and Sandringham Yacht Club.
Racing begins at Sandringham Yacht Club on Friday 22 January, before competitors join the Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race on Saturday 23 January.
The championship then continues on Corio Bay during Festival of Sails.
Also being contested during the Festival are the Australian Sports Boat Association National Championship and the S80 Victorian Championship.
Earlier in January, Royal Geelong Yacht Club will host the Etchells Australasian Summer Championship and the Etchells Australian Championship.
Manton welcomed the Australian Yachting Championship’s inclusion in the programme.
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome the Australian Yachting Championship to Geelong. It’s a tremendous endorsement of the quality of racing on Corio Bay, along with the dedication of our volunteers, officials and race management team,” he said.
Racing and Entertainment on Geelong’s Waterfront
First held in 1844, Festival of Sails is Australia’s oldest continuously contested sporting event and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest annual keelboat sailing regatta.
Alongside the racing, the Festival will again feature a public waterfront programme, with entertainment and community activities scheduled for 23–24 January.
The combination of competitive sailing and shoreside activities continues to attract sailors and visitors to Geelong each summer.
Festival of Sails 2027 – Key Dates
- 22 January: Australian Yachting Championship begins at Sandringham Yacht Club
- 23 January: Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race
- 23–24 January: Public waterfront Festival programme
- 23–26 January: Festival of Sails racing in Geelong
- 1–31 January: Complimentary RGYC berthing for eligible interstate entrants
Entries are now open for Festival of Sails 2027.
For event details, eligibility conditions and entries, visit Festival of Sails.
Source: Festival of Sails / Royal Geelong Yacht Club
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