The Party is Back: Festival of Sails 2026 Sets Sail with New Look and Expanded Program
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 our competitors, offering modern facilities, enhanced amenities, and a spectacular new hub from which to experience the festival.
This year’s artwork also takes a new direction. While previous designs have reflected the proud history of our races, this illustration looks outward to the vibrant Geelong waterfront, highlighting the atmosphere and energy that make the shoreside experience every bit as special as the competition on the bay. And keep an eye out for a special touch of good fortune, the hidden ‘Easter Egg’ of Tiger the Cat, a nod to the long-held tradition of cats bringing luck aboard ships. Did you also spot him in 2025 and 2024?
On the water, 2026 promises to be our biggest Festival of Sails yet. For the first time, the regatta will extend to five days of racing, with the addition of the Australian Multihull Championships. These will kick off on Wednesday 21 January, adding two weekday sessions before continuing as part of our flagship long weekend program. It is a privilege to host this national championship, and we look forward to showcasing the incredible spectacle of multihull sailing on Corio Bay.
The 183rd running of the historic Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race will once again be a highlight on Saturday 24 January, followed by another two days of competition across multiple classes and divisions. Our program also welcomes back the Mornington to Geelong Passage Race, the International Cadet Sprint Series, and a wide range of racing opportunities for both rated and non-rated boats.
Beyond the racing, the party truly returns to the Geelong waterfront. Expect three days of live music, entertainment, food and wine, family activities, and the always-popular Tall Ships. Whether you are a competitor, a spectator, or a visitor discovering sailing for the first time, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
The Festival of Sails has always been about more than racing. It is about bringing people together to celebrate sailing, community, and culture, and in 2026, with our expanded program and revitalised home, it promises to be our most dynamic event yet.
On behalf of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, I invite you, your crew, and your families to join us in Geelong this January. The party is back, and you won’t want to miss it.
Phil Francis
Chair, Festival of Sails
