Festival of Sails

28/04/2026

Save the Date! ⛵

Festival of Sails will return to Geelong in 2027 from Saturday 23 January to Tuesday 26 January.

It's going to be another unforgettable long weekend soaking up the vibrant waterfront energy, with plenty to see, do, eat, and enjoy.

The iconic Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race is back for its 184th year, alongside four days of competitive racing on Corio Bay and three nights of live entertainment.

Whether you're racing, volunteering, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, we can’t wait to welcome you back.

Stay tuned for more details, including race entries, coming soon.

See you in Geelong!

23/02/2026

Loved seeing your boat on the water this year? Get your prints from our official photographer Salty Dingo who do excellent work every year. 📷

15% off all Festival of Sails 2026 prints — until 5 March 2026.

Now that we’ve got your attention… 👀

The Festival of Sails 2026 Gallery is live on our website.

https://photos.saltydingo.com.au/-festivalofsails2026/gallery

Three days of pressure, packed starts, rail meat doing their thing, colour on the horizon, and those dockside debriefs that somehow last longer than the race.

If you found your lane, nailed a rounding, stacked it spectacularly (we see you 😅) or just loved being part of it — this is your chance to own the moment.

Print the photos you love and save 15% before 5 March.

Because regattas fade.
Photos don’t.

Head to the gallery and find yours.

27/01/2026

Geelong’s waterfront will soon be buzzing as the Festival of Sails returns—Australia’s biggest celebration of sailing and the largest annual keelboat regatta in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Royal Geelong Yacht Club has a proud history that stretches back over 160 years. It began in 1859 as the Geelong Sailing Club, later renamed the Geelong Yacht Club in 1880. By 1893, the club had its own purpose-built facility, and in 1907, it made history by launching Australia’s first ocean race—the Rudder Cup—still raced today. In 1924, the club earned its Admiralty warrant and became the Royal Geelong Yacht Club. Fast forward to 1997, and the Festival of Sails was born, blending tradition with vibrant community celebration.

While you’re enjoying the regatta, make time to visit the Geelong Sports Museum at Kardinia Park. Our displays celebrate the Royal Geelong Yacht Club’s incredible legacy alongside stories of local sporting heroes. It’s the perfect way to connect the excitement of today’s festival with the rich history behind it.

📍 Discover the stories behind the sport—just a short trip from the waterfront!

📷 Royal Geelong Yacht Club and Salty Dingo

27/01/2026

26/01/2026

26/01/2026

As the sun sets on Festival of Sails 2026, we thank everyone who participated and contributed to another wonderful event.

Thank you! See you again next year! ⛵️☀️

Pics by .jpg for

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⛵ Festival of Sails presented by TLC Healthcare
📅 24–26 January 2026
📍 Geelong waterfront
🎉 www.festivalofsails.com.au

26/01/2026

Our sincere thanks to outgoing Festival of Sails Chair, Phil Francis.

Over the past two years Phil has led with dedication, generosity and his unmistakably upbeat spirit. His commitment has helped shape another memorable chapter in the event’s long and proud history.

Phil, thank you for everything you’ve given to ⛵️

Pictured: Festival Of Sails Chair Phil Francis with RGYC Commodore Paul Buchholz, by

26/01/2026

Sweethearts, sunshine and serious good vibes 💛
Great fun in the Regatta Village and along the Geelong waterfront at Festival of Sails 2026. 🎶☀️

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⛵ Festival of Sails presented by TLC Healthcare
📅 24–26 January 2026
📍 Geelong waterfront
📲 www.festivalofsails.com.au

26/01/2026

Sending it! International Cadets on Corio Bay in Day 3 of Festival Of Sails⛵️💫

Pics by for

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⛵ Festival of Sails presented by TLC Healthcare
📅 24–26 January 2026
📍 Geelong waterfront
📲 www.festivalofsails.com.au