More Than a Media Team: Why Festival of Sails Loves Working with Sunset Media
At Festival of Sails, we’re fortunate to work with a range of talented partners who help bring Australia’s largest keelboat regatta to life. But when it comes to telling the stories behind the event, Sunset Media has become much more than a media provider; for the past few years they’ve been an extension of our team.
Led by Festival of Sails ambassador Nic Douglass, widely known throughout the sailing community as Sailor Girl, and Andrew Snell on technical and media operations, Sunset Media brings something that’s difficult to teach. A genuine understanding of the sport, the people and the moments that matter.
For Royal Geelong Yacht Club General Manager, Steve Harper, it’s one of the key reasons the collaboration works so well.
“What sets Sunset Media apart is that they don’t just cover sailing events. They understand sailing. They know the sailors, they know the stories, and they know exactly what moments matter most to competitors, sponsors and audiences.”
That expertise starts long before the first race of the Festival.
As one of Australia’s most recognised voices in sailing media, Nic’s role as both Sailor Girl and Festival of Sails ambassador helps generate awareness and excitement within the national sailing community ahead of the event. Combined with Sunset Media’s extensive industry network, the team helps amplify Festival of Sails to audiences across Australia and beyond.
“Nic and Andrew bring an incredible network to the table,” says Harper.
“Their relationships in the sailing community are second to none. They help us build momentum before the event, extend our reach to interstate audiences, and ensure Festival of Sails is part of the conversation well before the fleet hits the water.”
Once racing begins, Sunset Media’s value becomes even more apparent.
Like most regattas, Festival of Sails is a fast-moving event, with hundreds of boats, multiple racing divisions and countless stories unfolding simultaneously. Capturing those moments requires experience, instinct and an ability to work under pressure.
That’s where Sunset Media consistently excels.
From daily highlight videos and social media content to interviews, photography, media releases, and on-the-ground storytelling, the team delivers high-quality content at remarkable speed.
“The quality of Nic and Andrew’s team is outstanding. But what continually amazes us is how quickly they can turn it around.”
Just as importantly, they know where to be.
Whether it’s identifying the right sailors to interview, spotting emerging storylines throughout the regatta, or being ready on the dock when a race winner steps ashore, Sunset Media has an expert understanding of how to capture the moments people care about most.
“You never have to tell them where the story is. More often than not, they’ve already found it.”
This proactive approach has helped Festival of Sails share the personalities and human stories behind the racing, giving audiences a deeper connection to the event and the people who make it special.
Over the years, Sunset Media has also supported the Festival through live streaming, broadcast production, event coverage and media operations, helping showcase the event to audiences far beyond Geelong.
For Harper, it’s not just the output that stands out. It’s the way the team approaches the partnership.
“Nic and Andrew genuinely care about the success of Festival of Sails. They’re professional, driven, dependable and always willing to go the extra mile.”
From pre-event planning and promotion, to long days on the water and late nights producing content, Sunset Media consistently brings energy, enthusiasm and a shared passion for the sport.
“If you want a media team that understands sailing, delivers under pressure and genuinely invests themselves in your event, it’s hard to look past Sunset Media.”
Because great events deserve great storytelling. And that’s exactly what Sunset Media does.
Sunset Media was the Official Media Partner of Festival of Sails 2026.
