It is a pleasure to welcome you to Victoria for the 2012 Festival of Sails, the largest annual keel boat sail regatta in the Southern Hemisphere.
Following the inaugural event in 1844, the Festival of Sails has become a feature on Victoria’s event calendar. Hosted by the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, the 2012 Festival is sure to delight as it unfolds across the State’s picturesque Williamstown and Geelong precincts.
This January, Victoria’s Port Phillip Bay will be graced by a wide variety of yachts manned by crews ranging from international Olympians to amateur sailors. Over 4,500 participants are expected to compete in a range of sail class events, from the Classic Yacht Race Series to the Premier Racing Series.
As well as the action on the water, sailors and spectators alike can enjoy a range of seaside activities including ‘come and try’ beach activities, boat and lifestyle exhibitions, outdoor markets, fireworks and live stage performances.
Our Government is proud to be associated with major sailing events such as the Festival of Sails that deliver exciting sporting action and significant international exposure for our State and its unique coastal towns and scenery.
I invite all participants and visitors to stay and enjoy what Victoria has to offer, including Melbourne’s vibrant restaurants and entertainment precincts and Geelong’s nearby Bellarine Peninsula and food and wine regions.
I congratulate those involved in bringing the Festival of Sails together and wish all participants the best of luck. Get ready to set sail for what is sure to be a spectacular 2012 Festival of Sails.
Ted Baillieu MLA
Premier
