Rough & Ready Boat Building Competition
Are you part of a community group, school, club or charity looking for a fun, high-profile way to raise funds and showcase your organisation?
The Rough & Ready Boat Build Challenge is back at the Festival of Sails, and your team could win $1,500 cash to put toward your organisation or cause.
This unique, hands-on competition challenges teams to design, build and race their own boat using basic materials, a strict time limit and plenty of imagination. It’s chaotic, creative, highly entertaining, and a much-loved competition-style at sailing events around the country.
Why Enter?
The Rough & Ready Boat Build Challenge isn’t just about building a boat, it’s about building community, creating memories, and having an unforgettable experience on Geelong’s waterfront.
Win $1,500 for your organisation
First prize goes directly toward your community group, club or charity.
Be part of the Festival of Sails
Take centre stage at one of Geelong’s biggest summer events, in front of thousands of spectators.
Showcase your team
From the colourful parade to the on-water race, this is your chance to put your group in the spotlight.
Have a lot of fun doing it
Costumes encouraged. Creativity rewarded. Spectacular failures celebrated.
Event Details
When
Build Day: Saturday January 24 (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Painting Day: Sunday January 25 (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Race Day: Monday January 26 (11:30 AM)
Where
Royal Geelong Yacht Club as part of the Festival of Sails 2026.
Who Can Enter
Teams of 4–6 people from community groups, clubs, schools, businesses and charities.
What You’ll Do
- Design and build your own vessel in under 4 hours
- Paint and decorate it into a floating work of art
- Parade it through the Festival village then race it on Corio Bay for glory (and the cash prize!)
All basic building materials are supplied. You bring the tools, creativity and carbon-neutral propulsion.
Prizes
1st Prize: $1,500 cash for your organisation
Bonus awards for Best Teamwork and Most Creative Design
Ready to Build Something Unforgettable?
If your team has creativity, enthusiasm and a great sense of humour, the Rough & Ready Boat Build Challenge is calling.
Apply via the form below to secure your place in one of the most entertaining events of the Festival of Sails. Competition Terms & Conditions apply.
