The 2019 Festival of Sails will once again be held on the Australia Day long weekend (Saturday 26th – Monday 28th January), with the return to three day racing format in 2018 proving extremely popular with sailors.
The 2019 Passage Race from Melbourne to Geelong will again take place on Australia Day, Saturday 26th January, with a welcome party for sailors in the Regatta Village on Saturday night featuring some of Australia’s best live music acts.
Racing will continue on Sunday 27th January and the official public holiday, Monday 28th January, with presentations taking place as possible after racing.
The Festival of Sails continues to be a highlight on the Australian sailing calendar, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from competitors for the 2018 event.
January in Geelong is always a busy time for tourists, visitors and events, so we encourage all participants to book accommodation early – reserve a room now and lock in your commitment to race in the Southern Hemisphere’s largest keelboat sailing regatta!
Once again, Festival of Sails event organisers will be offering assistance to competitors in sourcing accommodation by providing a list of options close to the Royal Geelong Yacht Club on our event website.
A range of options including hotels, motels, caravan parks, holiday houses and bed and breakfasts all across the region are also available for booking through the Visit Geelong & Bellarine website.
If you missed the 2018 Festival of Sails, here is what some of the competitors had to say about what they enjoyed most at the 175th anniversary event:
“The camaraderie and sportsmanship of fellow sailors, and the overall atmosphere of the festival.”
“The racing was great – variety of conditions, good courses and lots of boats.”
“Great festival atmosphere and very professionally organised and run.”
“Great competition, great camaraderie.”
“Atmosphere was terrific and the sailing on the bay was spot on.”
“The feeling of community and the sailing experience.”
“The atmosphere – it’s a great regatta!”