Festival of Sails 2026 Wrap: Celebrating sailing, community, and family fun in Geelong

30 January 2026

Festival of Sails 2026 Wrap: Celebrating sailing, community, and family fun in Geelong

Geelong’s waterfront came alive over the January long weekend as Festival of Sails 2026 drew to a spectacular close. From world-class racing on Corio Bay to vibrant onshore festivities, the event showcased the city’s unique blend of maritime tradition, community spirit, and local pride. The STS Young Endeavour kicked off the celebrations on Saturday morning, setting the stage for the weekend and firing canon to signal the start of the iconic Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race, presented by Holiday Inn...

21 January 2026

Plan your weekend on Geelong’s waterfront for the biggest party of the year

Tickets on sale now. Geelong’s waterfront is set to come alive this January long weekend as the much-loved Festival of Sails returns for another year. Back and bigger than ever in 2026, get ready for three days of free waterfront festival celebrations and five days of world-class sailing across Corio Bay, from Wangim Walk to the Royal Geelong Yacht Club.   Recognised as the Southern Hemisphere’s largest keelboat regatta, Festival of Sails blends elite international competition with one of regional Victoria’s biggest and most vibrant community...

9 January 2026

STS Young Endeavour Returns to Fire the Festival of Sails Start as Entries Close This Sunday

Australia’s greatest sailing celebration is set for a spectacular beginning, with the iconic STS Young Endeavour confirmed as the official start boat for the Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race presented by Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong, firing the ceremonial cannon to launch the 2026 Festival of Sails. Returning for the second consecutive year, the historic tall ship will once again lead the fleet from Melbourne before becoming a centrepiece of the Geelong waterfront, open for public exploration on the second...

12 October 2025

Regatta News: Enter Early for the Chance to Win A New Chartplotter!

A graphic with a Zeus Charplotter and the caption: enter the Festival of Sails early bird prize for the chance to win.

The Festival of Sails 2026 is coming up quickly, and and this year there’s an extra reason to get in early… Your entry could win you an incredible Zeus SR 10” Chartplotter, valued at $4,999, thanks to our generous partners at B&G. Early Bird Bonus: For the Chance to Win Register your boat before 11.59pm (AEDT) on Sunday, November 30th, 2025, and you’ll automatically go in the draw for the chance to win this cutting-edge chartplotter. The Zeus SR 10”...

18 September 2025

The Party is Back: Festival of Sails 2026 Sets Sail with New Look and Expanded Program

Festival of Sails brand launch cover

It gives me great pleasure to launch the brand for the Festival of Sails 2026, along with this year’s slogan: “The Party is Back.” This theme celebrates the return of the festival in full force, both on the water and ashore, and reflects a new era for the Royal Geelong Yacht Club as we host the event for the first time with full access to our completed Victorian Sailing Centre. The VSC is a true game-changer for our Club and...

4 August 2025

The Festival of Sails returns for 2026… bigger and better than ever!

Australia’s largest celebration of sailing just got even bigger, with the Festival of Sails expanding to five action-packed days of racing. In 2026 the Royal Geelong Yacht Club will play host to the Australian Multihull Championships throughout the festival, seamlessly adding two days of weekday sailing on Corio Bay in the lead-up to the flagship long weekend regatta. With the official Notice of Race for the Festival of Sails released today, entries are now open for the iconic celebration, including...

29 January 2025

Festival of Sails 2025 Wrap: A Packed Long Weekend on the Waterfront

The 2025 Festival of Sails has once again cemented its place as one of Australia’s most beloved events, with a packed long weekend of thrilling world-class sailing and vibrant entertainment drawing thousands of visitors and competitors to Geelong’s waterfront. The festivities, which kicked off on Saturday, January 25, transformed the Waterfront into a hub of activity, with on-water action and a lively festival atmosphere keeping crowds engaged across the weekend. 182nd Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race The Festival of Sails...

STS Young Endeavour: A Festival of Sails 2025 Highlight

The majestic tall ship STS Young Endeavour took centre stage at the 2025 Festival of Sails, playing a pivotal role as the official start boat for the 182nd Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race. This historic event marked a significant moment for both the crew of the Young Endeavour and the thousands who witnessed the spectacle unfold. Leading the Fleet with History and Tradition On Saturday, January 25, the STS Young Endeavour anchored its place in Festival history by firing its gold-plated cannons to signal the start of...

23 January 2025

Geelong’s Iconic Summer Festival Returns This Week

This January long weekend, Geelong’s vibrant waterfront will once again come alive with colour, energy, and sails as the Festival of Sails returns for its 2025 edition—inviting locals and visitors alike to soak up one of Australia’s most iconic summer events. Held from Saturday 25 to Monday 27 January, the Festival of Sails is not only Australia’s largest keelboat regatta, but also a free, family-friendly event that offers three days of action on the water and entertainment on land—all set...

22 January 2025

SheSails Women on Water Breakfast: Celebrating Women Making Waves

Join us on Sunday, January 26, 2025, for the SheSails Women on Water Breakfast, proudly sponsored by Fernwood Fitness, Waurn Ponds. Held on the picturesque Foredeck by Woolstore and catered by the renowned Paddock Bakery, this inspiring morning is a celebration of women making waves in sailing and beyond. Hosted by the vibrant and dynamic Nic Douglass (aka “Sailor Girl”), this special event features an incredible lineup of panellists who have made their mark in sailing, leadership, and advocacy:  ...

Australia’s Largest Learn To Sail Program To Take Place At Festival of Sails 2025

The 2025 Festival of Sails is set to host one of the largest Learn to Sail programs in Australia’s history. As part of the festival’s exciting lineup, free “Come & Try Sailing” sessions will take place on Day 1 and Day 2 of the Festival, giving both locals and visitors the unique opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing firsthand. The response has been overwhelming, with over 528 participants already signed up for the Come & Try Sailing sessions, making...

24 November 2024

Emerging Artist Stage Returns to the 2025 Festival of Sails

The highly anticipated Emerging Artist Stage is back for the 2025 Festival of Sails, providing local performers with the opportunity to showcase their talent and compete for incredible prizes. This year, the competition expands to two days with the addition of the “We Are the Youth!” Series for aspiring artists aged 12-17, alongside the original Emerging Artists Series, open to all ages. Saturday, January 25 will feature the Emerging Artists Series, while Sunday, January 26 will host the We Are...

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