Regatta History

The Festival of Sails is a living piece of history—a celebration of tradition, competition, and the camaraderie that has brought sailors and spectators to Geelong since 1844. What began as a humble regatta has evolved into the Southern Hemisphere’s largest annual sailing festival, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each January. 

At the heart of the Festival of Sails is the iconic Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race—the oldest sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere—that kicks off the celebration each year. Supported by the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Geelong, this event blends heritage with modern excitement, creating an experience where history meets the energy of the present.