Enquiries
For all Sailing Regatta enquiries please contact the Sailing Administrator at Royal Geelong Yacht Club on 03 5229 3705 or sailadmin@rgyc.com.au.
Visitor Information
Participating in the largest keel boat regatta in the Southern Hemisphere may seem a little intimidating to some first time visitors. However, rest assured that the club and all involved in the Festival of Sails will be doing everything possible to make sure competitors and spectators enjoy every aspect of their regatta experience. Whilst the marina will be jam packed and the activity around the club seemingly chaotic, with tens of thousands of visitors enjoying a diverse range of festivities, it is this atmosphere that makes the Festival of Sails a must do regatta.
The Festival of Sails is a unique major event where sailing shines as the core attraction. The event is all about huge fleets, quality racing, camaraderie and a shoreside program that is guaranteed to makes this a memorable experience.
It is also the kind of event where everyone gives a little to be part of the big stage. So be prepared to share, enjoy the whole experience and don’t be surprised to see the unexpected.
Remember the club is here to assist you with any information you may require, so don’t hesitate to contact the Sailing Administrator at Royal Geelong Yacht Club on 03 5229 3705 or sailadmin@rgyc.com.au.
Racing
The Festival of Sails is staged at both ends of Port Phillip, commencing in Melbourne and finishing in Geelong. The competition heads to the protected waters of Corio Bay via a spectacular 34nm passage race.
If typical summer weather patterns prevail, competitors will experience a diversity of conditions. At the top end of Port Phillip a strong sea breeze generally heralds short, choppy conditions. In stark contrast the inner and outer harbour of Corio Bay is usually flat and fast in the prevailing south easterly sea breeze – conditions that should produce high speed sailing and closely fought competition.
Where to stay?
A majority of crews choose Geelong as the ‘home’ base and travel to and from Melbourne on the first day of competition. Others prefer to stay in Melbourne either on-board or close by for the lead up and first day, before taking up residence in Geelong. For all accommodation information, please visit www.visitgeelongbellarine.com.
Buses
Royal Geelong Yacht Club will be providing buses to and from Melbourne on Thursday 26 January 2012 for the start of the Passage Race. The bus will depart from the Taxation Office, near the RGYC at 6am. For further information please call the Royal Geelong Yacht Club on (03) 5229 3705.
Trailer/Yacht storage
Trailer Storage is available within a temporary storage facility at Limeburners boat ramp. (The storage area is a fenced gravel area of approximately 1000 square meters – approximately 2.5 km from the Royal Geelong Yacht Club)
The ramps are both deep water public ramps and provide a sheltered launching area with the trailer storage area immediately adjacent to the ramps.
Keys can be picked up and returned at the Regatta Office at RGYC.
Berthing arrangements
With the sport of yachting expanding more and more each year, we have had to come to terms and accept the fact that unfortunately we cannot offer everyone a pen; however, the team at Royal Geelong Yacht Club have worked tirelessly to create safe berthing arrangements and trust that you will find these suitable to all your needs.
