Current as of Wednesday 5th January, 2022
Dear Skippers, Crews and Participants,
First and foremost, the Festival of Sails Organising Committee and Royal Geelong Yacht Club would like to thank you for your entry and your enthusiasm in returning to Geelong for our 2022 Festival of Sails.
We know many of you have questions about the continually evolving situation surrounding COVID-19 and we wanted update you on what is being done to safeguard every person involved in this year’s event.
The health and safety of our participants, contractors, RGYC staff, stakeholders and wider Geelong community is our priority, and this will dictate if any changes may be required to the FOS 2022 program over the coming weeks.
As you would expect, the Organising Committee is diligently monitoring all the latest updates and information from the Victorian government and health authorities as they become available.
We are also closely monitoring what – if any – changes in activities or operations may be required to support any public safety mandates.
Is FOS 2022 going ahead and how will I know if anything changes?
At the time of writing this update, Festival of Sails 2022 will be going ahead as planned.
Should there be any changes to the program or scheduling of FOS 2022, we will email you at the earliest opportunity via this channel.
What is being done to safeguard me and my crew?
FOS 2022 will be delivered in strict accordance with all Victorian Government COVID-19 event guidelines and directives.
In line with the Victorian Government’s policies on Events, Arts and Live Entertainment and Hospitality Venues, all participants & stakeholders involved in FOS 2022 are required to be double vaccinated or hold a current medical exemption.
All participants, visitors and staff must be able to show proof of their current vaccination status, which will be checked before access will be granted to our venue or marina.
We understand the frustration these restrictions have caused some Festival of Sails participants and RGYC regulars, however FOS 2022 must comply with the Victorian Government directions in order to operate and safeguard our community, as does every other event.
COVID-19 safety is a shared community effort and responsibility, and we are asking everyone to follow the government guidelines so we can all enjoy a safe Festival of Sails.
Further FOS 2022 COVIDSafe information can be found here.
What happens if the government brings in more restrictions?
Should the Victorian Government reintroduce restrictions, such as capacity limits, or if we feel other measures are in the best interest of our community, the Organising Committee has several alternative programs available to us.
Should any changes need to be made, we will let you know as soon as possible.
What happens if FOS 2022 is rescheduled or cancelled?
We remind entrants that if Festival of Sails 2022 is rescheduled or cancelled, all entry fees are fully refundable, or transferable to a rescheduled Festival of Sails 2022 or Festival of Sails 2023.
I have more questions about COVID-19 and FOS 2022. Who can I contact?
We invite you to please share this email with your crew and interested parties who plan to attend Geelong for this year’s Festival of Sails.
Should you have any COVID-19 related questions which we have not addressed here, please email our Communications Coordinator Drew Malcolm via the following email: drewm@rgyc.com.au
We thank you for your understanding in these uncertain times and know that our team is working hard to keep you informed and ensure a safe and successful regatta.
Warm regards,
Roger Bennett
Chair – 2022
Festival of Sails