The Festival of Sails annually attracts around 300 yachts and 4,500 sailing competitors to Melbourne and Geelong over the Australia Day holiday period.
With over 15 different race series catering from the highest performance Grand Prix racers to trailable cruisers, the varied race action is sure to offer something for everyone, and spectators will certainly not be disappointed.
First held in 1844, the Festival of Sails is Victoria's oldest ongoing sporting event, and the largest annual keel boat regatta in the Southern Hemisphere.
For those not competing on-water, there is plenty of shore-side excitement taking place with over 100,000 people flocking to the stunning Waterfront Geelong over the Australia Day holiday period to be part of the excitement.
The shoreside component will again feature:
- Live music acts across three stages
- Fantastic mix of art and craft market stalls
- Great food and wine
- Children's Entertainment
- Roving Performers
- A marine trade and boating lifestyle exhibition
- On-water 'Come & Try Zone'
- Dedicated family freindly 'Kids Zone'
- And much, much more...
As an example, special acts for the 2016 event included an appearance by daily water-ski displays, Mike the Knight for the kids, plus fireworks. On Australia Day, see the Roulettes in the sky and the return of the CUB Clydesdales.
For more detailed information, and timing details please visit the event website.
