The Countdown is on with Wednesday, October 18 Marking 100 das until Geelong’s two hallmark major events – the Festival of Sails and the Cade Evans Great Ocean Road Race – are set to ignite the Geelong waterfront, across the January 26 long weekend. 

The Festival of Sails is Australia’s biggest celebration of sailing and the largest keelboat sailing regatta in the Southern Hemisphere. Organised by the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, the iconic Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race will celebrate its 181st anniversary in 2024.

The regatta usually attracts more than 250 yachts and over 2000 participants to Geelong’s Corio Bay from around the world each year.

While the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race – named after Australia’s most decorated competitive cyclist, Cadel Evans – attracts elite male and female cyclists from around the globe to the fierce competition in world recognised racing events, along with thousands of enthusiastic amateurs keen to ride the same routes as their cycling heroes.

Both events are proudly supported by the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Geelong.

Marking the 100-day milestone, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos said: “It’s 100 days until visitors flock to Geelong for this epic weekend of sailing and cycling that will see hotels booked up and restaurants, cafes and bars busy.”

“We’re proud to support epic events right across our regions, and with two major events happening in Geelong across the same weekend – this is set to be an absolute blockbuster.”

City of Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan said the region would be buzzing over the January 26 long weekend, delivering a major boost to the region’s tourism economy.

“Having these two events taking over our beautiful waterfront on the same weekend, celebrating the very best of sailing and cycling, creates a fabulous atmosphere,” Mayor Sullivan said. “It’s a weekend not to be missed!”

Festival of Sails Chairman, Paul Buchholz said the racing for the forthcoming regatta would be fast, furious and world class.

“This event is a real favourite for so many sailors and the combination of great sailing, great entertainment and great fun, is always a winner.”

And Cadel Evans added “The countdown is officially on until the world’s top cyclists descend onto the region. It’s amazing to see the Geelong Waterfront come alive with both events and the world-class celebration of sport isn’t to be missed!”

Sailors can enter the regatta at www.festivalofsails.com.au and to find out more about the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race visit www.cadelevansgreatoceanroadrace.com.au