The impressive Sydney to Hobart contender ‘Smuggler’ has become the first yacht to sign on for the 2024 Festival of Sails being held in Geelong on January 26 to 28, 2024.
With the official Notice of Race for the event now published, owner and skipper of the Sydney-based TP52 category ‘Smuggler’, Sebastian Bohm says he’s a firm fan of the historic Geelong regatta and couldn’t wait to sign up as the first competitor for 2024.
“It’s always such great sailing and a fabulous social event that holds a special place in the hearts of many sailors who come back year after year, and I’m one of them!” he said.
“It might still be almost six months away, but we were keen to sign up and keen to race, and looking forward to seeing who is going to join us.”
As the first entry for the 2024 Festival of Sails, Sebastian Bohm is also in the running for the Early Bird entry prize of a B&G Zeus S7 chartplotter valued at $1699.
All Festival of Sails entries completed and paid for November 30 are eligible for the draw, with the winner being announced during the regatta. Entries can be made via www.festivalofsails.com.au.
The 2024 event will be the 181st running of the largest keelboat sailing regatta in the Southern Hemisphere.
Festival of Sails is Australia’s oldest sporting event – older than the Melbourne Cup which began in 1861, older than The Ashes which began in 1882 and looking overseas, older than Wimbledon, which began in in 1887 and the America’s Cup which began in 1851!
According to Festival of sails Chairman, Paul Buchholz the proudly Geelong-Based event is a firm favourite with sailors from all over Australia, and there will be plenty of action both on and off water for the January event.
“We’re currently working on the racing and entertainment program and really looking forward to welcoming everyone to the waterfront”.
Mr Buchholz also welcomed the ongoing financial support of the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Geelong saying, “An event like ours simply couldn’t exist without the consistent and generous support of the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Geelong”.