The Festival of Sails boasts a diverse and ever changing sailing program. Racing is conducted over a variety of courses including windward leeward, fixed mark courses and the traditional passage race.
Every year in addition to the traditional races, the event hosts some special feature classes. This year the event is honoured to include two Australian National Championships and two Victorian State Championships. The teams competing in these classes will be not only be racing for Festival of Sails honours but to be crown the respective champions of their class.
The Lou Abrahams Trophy
This trophy is presented to the overall handicap IRC winner of the Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race.
Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race
IRC, AMS & EHC. Minimum. Safety Category 5. Classes include: Keel boats, Multi-Hulls, One Design, Classic Yacht and Cruising etc.)
The historic Melbourne to Geelong passage race is a feature of the Festival of Sails. Dating back to the late nineteenth century, the 34 nautical mile classic begins in Port Phillip before the massive fleet, normally accompanied by visiting tall ships and a large spectator fleet, creates a spectacular sight as it arrives in Corio Bay.
Henri Lloyd Line Honours Trophy
Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race
At last a trophy for the fastest monohull, he who dares wins, flat out sailing. Recognition for the fastest at the Festival of Sails, this will be one to add to the trophy cabinet. Sure to be a highlight of the regatta.
The Race record is held by Skandia Wild Thing with an elapsed time 1hr 40mins 17secs.
Audi Centre Geelong Premier Racing Series (IRC & AMS)
The winner of the Premier Racing Series at the Festival of Sails can not only claim bragging rights of taking out Australia’s most prestigious inshore series.
Competing yachts face a variety of courses and conditions in the eight race, multiple division series. The championship begins with the historic 34nm passage race from Melbourne to Geelong. The remaining races will be staged over three days of competition on the protected waters of Corio Bay, where the good breeze and flat waters combine for fast and lively racing.
The prestigious Premier IRC Series at Festival of Sails, attracts the cream of the southern hemisphere’s grand prix keel boats. Previous winners include: Prima Donna (Vic), Terra Firma (NSW), Hawk (UK), Ticket of Leave (VIC), 38 Degrees South (VIC), Another Challenge (VIC), Hollywood Boulevard (NSW), Ichi Ban (NSW), Quantum Racing (NSW), Secret Men’s Business (SA), Quest (NSW), Living Doll (VIC) and reigning AVW champion Secret Men’s Business 3.5 (SA).
Event Office Farr 1020 National Championships
The Farr 1020 is a one design 10.2 meter racing / cruising keelboat that originated from the drawing board of Bruce Farr in 1983. One hundred and fifty yachts have been built and launched over the ensuing years.
The Farr 1020 is a top handling racer and also a very comfortable cruiser and as such it meets the requirement of the seriously competitive sailor and yet is appointed to a high standard to meet the demands of the discriminating cruising family.
Parks Victoria Melges 24 National Championships
The Melges 24® is the World’s leading one design Sportsboat. Since its introduction in 1993, the response and excitement generated by this truly exceptional one design has been phenomenal.
Typically raced with a crew of 4 or 5 (racing crew weight limit 360kg), the Melges 24′s comfortable, light-hull displacement design prefers to plane. Designed by Reichel/Pugh, its high-tech design includes a carbon fibre spar, rudder, bowsprit and vertical keel fin. Another key component of theM24 is a 670 sq ft asymmetrical spinnaker that lifts and pulls the boat forward on a downwind sprint. It adds speed, simplicity and ease of handling giving way to a more challenging tactical race.
Bundaberg Rum SB3 Victorian Championships
Designed by Tony Castro, the SB3 is an exhilarating and fast three person sport boat. Modern powerful rig for one-design and sport boat racing. Keelboat stiffness picks up a great ride down wind in a heavy breeze. Dinghy-like performance offers tactical and close racing as well.
The SB3 is the t winner of Sailing World’s overall Boat of The Year (all categories) for 2008.
Perks include high tech x-ply mylar mainsail and jib, and a ‘sit-in’ cockpit which promotes on-board communication and a level playing field and adjustable rig with fixed forestay.
OTHER CLASSES & RACE SERIES INCLUDE;
- Virgin Garden Tea Melbourne Premier Racing Invitational
- Tourism Victoria Premier Racing Series (Sydney 38)
- Elliott 7 Victorian Championships
- STRBRD Performance Series 9AMS & EHC)
- Club Marine Cruising (Spinnaker) Series
- Mariner Boating Holidays Cruising (Non-Spinnaker) Series
- James Boag’s Classic Yacht Series
- Coca Cola Multi-Hull Series
- Geelong Taxi Network S80 Series
- Treasury Wine Estates J24 Series
- Illuminated Event Hire Sports Boat Series
- Barwon Water Noelex 30 Series
- BIA Victoria Best Victorian Yacht
- Geelong Advertiser Teams Trophy
For more information on any of the above mentioned Key Trophies and Championships, please contact the Sailing Administrator on 03 5229 3705 or sailadmin@rgyc.com.au.
