Festival of Sails 2027 secures government backing to boost tourism and Geelong
Festival of Sails will return to Geelong this summer from 22-26 January 2027, with entries now officially open for Australia’s oldest continuous sporting event.
For five days over the January long weekend, Geelong’s waterfront will transform into a celebration of sport and summer, welcoming thousands of sailors to racing on Corio Bay. Alongside this will be free onshore entertainment and community activities over the weekend, welcoming visitors and locals alike to experience one of Victoria’s most iconic major events.
It comes as the Victorian Government confirmed Festival of Sails will receive support through the latest round of the Regional Events Fund, reinforcing the event’s role in attracting thousands of visitors to Geelong and showcasing the region’s world-class waterfront each summer.
Minister for Tourism, Natalie Suleyman said: “The Festival of Sails is a wonderful celebration of our stunning waterfront, capturing the attention of sailing enthusiasts both locally and around the globe.
“It’s also a fantastic driver for the region, with thousands of visitors coming to Geelong for this iconic event, providing a valuable boost to our local businesses.”
From spectacular racing on Corio Bay to live music, local food, markets and family-friendly experiences, Festival of Sails continues to showcase the very best of Geelong on and off the water.
“We’re thrilled to again support the Festival of Sails, one of Geelong’s major tourist attractions,” says Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens.
“Not only will it provide an incredible spectacle and entertainment on the bay, Festival of Sails 2027 will bring visitors to our hotels, pubs, cafes and businesses, providing a boost to Geelong’s economy.”
RGYC Vice Commodore Phil Francis, Member for Geelong Christine Couzens MP, and Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM stand out the front of Royal Geelong Yacht Club to announce their commitment to Festival of Sails 2027.
New for 2027 is a collaboration with local Surf Coast artist Minerva Lamorgese to create the event’s visual identity, while an expanded marine exhibition will further strengthen the connection between the Festival, the boating industry and the wider community.
Returning in 2027 are many of the Festival’s most popular attractions, including the Made in Geelong Artisan Market celebrating local makers, designers and producers. The community will also be able to participate in free Come & Try Sailing experiences, live music and entertainment on the waterfront, a diverse range of food vendors, and the opportunity to connect with inspirational women in sport at the SheSails Women on Water Breakfast, presented by Diana Taylor Legal Consulting.
The City of Greater Geelong has also reaffirmed its commitment to Festival of Sails, with continued funding confirmed in its latest budget, recognising the event’s importance to the region’s economy, tourism industry and community.
“The City of Greater Geelong is proud to support the Festival of Sails once again in 2027,” says City of Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM.
“As one of Geelong’s most iconic summer events, the Festival of Sails continues to showcase our city as a leading destination for world-class events, tourism and waterfront experiences.”
“We look forward to welcoming competitors and visitors to Geelong for another outstanding Festival in 2027.”
The Festival continues to play an important role in driving visitation, supporting local businesses and showcasing Geelong as one of Australia’s premier waterfront destinations, contributing approximately $8 million to the regional economy each year.
Festival Chair Chris Manton said the addition of the Australian Yachting Championship marks another exciting chapter for Festival of Sails, strengthening Geelong’s reputation as one of Australia’s premier sailing destinations.
“It’s exciting to welcome the Australian Yachting Championship to Geelong this year,” Manton said.
“To have Australia’s best sailors competing alongside the Australian Sports Boat Association Australian Championship and the S80 Victorian Championship will create an incredible spectacle on Corio Bay and make for another outstanding year of racing.”
Manton said while sailing remained at the heart of the Festival, its appeal extended well beyond the yachts on the water.
“One of the things I love most is seeing people discover Festival of Sails for the first time.”
“Some come for the sailing, others come for the live music, markets or food, but they all leave having experienced something that’s uniquely Geelong.”
“It’s a wonderful showcase of our waterfront, our local businesses and our community, and every year we’re finding new ways to give people another reason to spend their January long weekend on the Geelong waterfront.”
Now celebrating its 184th year, the Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race has been part of Geelong’s story since 1844, predating the Melbourne Cup, the Ashes and the AFL. While the event has grown into one of Victoria’s premier waterfront festivals, it remains true to its foundations, bringing people together through sailing, community and Geelong’s enduring connection to Corio Bay.
Festival of Sails 2027 is proudly brought to life with the support of the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria, the City of Greater Geelong, presenting partner TLC Healthcare, and Australian Sailing.
Competitor entries are now open, with Festival of Sails set to once again welcome sailors, visitors and the wider community to Geelong from 22-26 January 2027.
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