Festival of Sails 2025 on track for record-breaking regatta

Festival of Sails © Salty Dingo

The 2025 Festival of Sails is set for a record-breaking turnout, with more than double the regatta entries compared to this time last year.

This exceptional early interest includes boats from top clubs like Hobsons Bay Yacht Club, Sandringham Yacht Club, Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Safety Beach Sailing Club, and Royal Yacht Club of Victoria. Legendary yachts such as Scarlet Runner, Ikon, Extasea, and Team Hollywood have confirmed their return, ensuring some thrilling action on Corio Bay.

The surge in entries has prompted enhancements to the event schedule and additional resources, marking a fresh combination of on-water racing and vibrant on-shore festivities.

An expanded racing series will introduce a new category in the Passage Rating Series, welcoming Category 6 yachts for the first time. These changes allow a broader range of vessels, such as J24s and smaller keelboats to join the competition, offering competitors a diverse and dynamic racing experience.

Australian sailing personality Nic Douglass, also known as 'Sailor Girl', will return to the Festival of Sails for the third time as Event Ambassador. Along with her team from Adventures of a Sailor Girl, Nic will broadcast live from 'Screen On The Green' on the lawn at Royal Geelong Yacht Club.

Screen On The Green is a new activation designed to make the festival even more immersive for spectators, allowing them to experience the racing up close from the heart of the Festival Village.

Royal Geelong Yacht Club is thrilled with the increase in entries, which is expected to bring an even greater influx of visitors to the region, boosting local tourism and economic activity.

Festival of Sails Chairman Phil Francis said, "We are proud of how the Festival of Sails continues to evolve each year. We're thrilled to welcome such a large fleet and are looking forward to putting on an event that showcases the very best of sailing and our community".

The 182nd edition of the Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race will kick off on Saturday, January 25, 2025, followed by three days of competitive racing on Corio Bay and exciting waterfront entertainment. With live music, food stalls, fireworks and family-friendly activities, the Festival of Sails will be a wonderful way to enjoy the January long weekend in Geelong.

For entries and regatta information, visit www.festivalofsails.com.au.