2027 Australian Yachting Championship

Australia’s premier IRC championship comes to Festival of Sails.

Festival of Sails is proud to host the 2027 Australian Yachting Championship, an Australian Sailing event, bringing the nation’s leading IRC yachts and crews to Geelong for five days of championship racing across Port Phillip and Corio Bay.

Held from 22–26 January 2027 as part of Festival of Sails, the Championship combines Australia’s premier IRC title with Australia’s oldest continuous sporting event. Hosted by Royal Geelong Yacht Club in conjunction with Australian Sailing and co-host Sandringham Yacht Club, competitors will enjoy five days of championship competition before joining hundreds of yachts across the Southern Hemisphere’s largest keelboat sailing regatta.

With world-class race management, exceptional facilities and the unique Festival atmosphere, the Championship offers an unforgettable sailing experience.

Championship Racing 

The Championship begins with an opening day of racing at co-host Sandringham Yacht Club, before competitors take on the iconic Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race, sailing from Port Phillip Bay into Corio Bay.

The Championship then concludes with three days of racing on Corio Bay hosted by Royal Geelong Yacht Club, featuring a combination of special courses and windward-leeward racing designed to test every aspect of IRC competition.

Corio Bay’s reliable sea breezes, tactical race areas and outstanding viewing opportunities provide the ideal setting to crown Australia’s next IRC champions.

The Notice of Race will confirm the final championship format and schedule.

View the Notice of RaceView the Race Schedule

Explore the online Competitor Hub