Rough & Ready Boat Building Competition
Learn More
x
Rough & Ready Boat Building Competition
Are you part of a community group, school, club or charity looking for a fun, high-profile way to raise funds and showcase your organisation?
The Rough & Ready Boat Build Challenge is back at the Festival of Sails, and your team could win $1,500 cash to put toward your organisation or cause.
This unique, hands-on competition challenges teams to design, build and race their own boat using basic materials, a strict time limit and plenty of imagination. It’s chaotic, creative, highly entertaining, and a much-loved competition-style at sailing events around the country.
Learn More Here
x
Made in Geelong Classic Car Showcase
Following the huge interest in the automotive industry with Porsche in 2025, the Made in Geelong Classic Car Showcase is new to Festival of Sails in 2026, shining a spotlight on the city’s rich manufacturing and automotive heritage.
This year, discover iconic Geelong-built cars from past eras, celebrating the machines that helped shape the region. Perfect for car lovers, history buffs, and families, it’s a journey through Geelong’s proud industrial legacy.
Open from 9 am – 5pm every day on Steampacket Gardens.
Made in Geelong Artisan & Specialty Traders Market
Learn More
x
Made in Geelong Artisan & Specialty Traders Market
Open 9 am – 5 pm daily on Steampacket Gardens, the Made in Geelong Artisan & Specialty Traders Market is a vibrant celebration of local creativity and craftsmanship.
Stroll through hand-picked stalls featuring Geelong and Bellarine artisans, as well as a special Made in Victoria section showcasing the very best of the state. Discover unique gifts, handmade treasures, and specialty products, perfect for browsing, buying, and supporting local makers.
x
Made in Geelong Showcase Stage
New to the festival this year, the Made in Geelong Showcase Stage is the place to see, learn, and be inspired by the best of Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast local businesses.
Set in the family heart of the festival on the East Village, the stage features live demonstrations and hands-on masterclasses covering everything from crafting, food and drink, sustainable practices, to creative upcycling. Discover how local makers transform ideas into reality, and pick up tips, tricks, and inspiration you can take home.
It’s a fun, interactive experience for all ages, celebrating the creativity and skill of the region. Check out the event program for specific masterclasses.
x
Tall Ship Enterprize
Step aboard history on the Geelong foreshore! From 12pm to 4pm, Saturday to Monday, the Enterprize will be moored on Wangim Walk for festival visitors to explore.
See the ship up close, learn about her history, and experience the sights, sounds, and even a little working ship life – don’t be surprised if there’s a touch of grease from the crew!
A hands-on, educational experience, the Enterprize is perfect for history buffs, sailing enthusiasts, or families looking for a fun and memorable festival adventure.
x
Sailors Scavenger Hunt
Ahoy, young explorers! Join the Sailors Scavenger Hunt, search the festival grounds for hidden letters at seven special locations, and solve the secret word.
Keep an eye out for the bonus hunt for extra surprises! Complete the challenge and collect your prize. A fun, active way for the family to explore the festival and discover sailing-themed fun.
Scavenger Hunt sheets and prizes can be picked up from the Royal Geelong Yacht Club info tent on the Clubhouse Lawn from 9 am to 5pm each day of the festival.
x
Lifestyle Exhibition
Discover the spirit of life on and off the water at the Festival of Sails Lifestyle Expo, located at the entrance to the festival in the East Village.
This dynamic showcase brings together leading and local brands, innovators and experiences from a range of active lifestyles.
Open from 9 am to 5pm each day of the festival, this is your hub for inspiration and discovery, all within the energy of Australia’s largest keelboat regatta.
x
Festival Program
Tailor your Festival of Sails experience with our full program and map. From live music and fireworks to sailing action and food stalls, don’t miss a moment. Plan your perfect day!
Download The Program Here
x
Regatta Village Stage
Step into the pulse of Festival of Sails at the Regatta Village Stage, where the energy never stops.
As the festival’s main stage, it hosts a lineup of top-tier acts, ranging from family-friendly performances by day, the Emerging Artist Series presented by Forte and K rock 95.5 on the Saturday and Sunday, and electrifying, crowd-surfing bands by night.
Located in the heart of Regatta Village, it’s where the magic truly happens. Don’t miss the grand regatta presentation on the final day, as we celebrate the champions in style, surrounded by the sounds and spirit of the festival.
x
Regatta Cruise
Step aboard the Hygeia on Saturday, January 24th, 2026, for an unforgettable Festival of Sails Regatta Cruise. Departing from Wangim Walk at 12:30 PM and returning at 3:30 PM, this 3-hour cruise takes you out to witness the exhilarating finish of the iconic Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race presented by Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong – the highlight of the regatta.
Get Tickets Here
x
Come & Try Sailing
Ready to experience the thrill of being out on the water?
Festival of Sails invites you to hop aboard and Come & Try Sailing on our state-of-the-art RS21 Keelboats. This free, fun-filled activity is open to all ages, so bring the family or try it solo!
With easy access from Wangim Walk, it’s the perfect chance to feel the excitement of gliding across the water. No experience needed, just a sense of adventure!
Bookings essential, so choose your day and select a time to get out on the water and experience what it’s all about!
Find Out More
x
Emerging Artist Series
Celebrate the next generation of musical talent at the Emerging Artist Series on the main Regatta Village Stage. Presented by Forte and K rock 95.5, this competition offers local singer-songwriters and duos the chance to shine, performing original music in an idyllic outdoor setting.
Grab a drink from the main bar and enjoy laid-back tunes throughout the afternoon, surrounded by food vendors and framed by yachts gliding across the bay. It’s the perfect spot to discover fresh talent and soak in the summer vibes.
Find Out More
x
Fireworks
Light up your night with the Festival of Sails’ iconic fireworks display! A cherished tradition, the fireworks dazzle over the bay at 9:30pm on the Saturday evening, celebrating the end of a thrilling day of sailing.
Join us along the waterfront for this beautiful display, setting the stage for our headline bands to keep the festival energy alive well into the night.
x
Food Trucks
Savour the tastes of summer at the Festival of Sails with a delicious lineup of food trucks. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between activities or settling in for a feast, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
x
STS Young Endeavour
Experience the majesty of the STS Young Endeavour, a stunning tall ship and back for its second year as the official start boat of the 2026 Festival of Sails.
Witness the crew return from their most recent voyage at 10am on Sunday, January 25, manning the yardarms and arriving aloft on the footropes for a truly spectacular sight.
After its grand debut, you can explore this iconic vessel up close for yourself at Wangim Walk.
x
Yoga on the Green
Start your day with serenity at Yoga on the Green, hosted by Yoga Crew. Join us on the Regatta Village lawn from 7 am to 8 am on Monday, January 26, as the sun rises over the sparkling bay. Open before the festival kicks off this free session is available for sailors and members. The perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate. Don’t forget to BYO mat!
x
Victory Bash Presentation Party
Celebrate the grand finale of the Festival of Sails at the Victory Bash Presentation Party on Monday, January 26. Enjoy the weekend wrap videos and trophy presentations. It’s the perfect way to close out the festival!
x
Women on Water Breakfast
Join us at 8am on Sunday, January 25th, for our annual SheSails Women on Water Breakfast. Hosted in the Victorian Sailing Centre, Marina View Room and catered by Lady and the Fox, this inspiring morning is a celebration of women making waves in sailing and beyond.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast, connect with like-minded women and supporters, and hear powerful stories about leadership, perseverance, and breaking boundaries in sport, health, and fitness.
Spaces are limited, so book your spot now for this must-attend Festival of Sails event!
Read More & Get Tickets Here
