100,000-plus tipped to attend ‘bigger and better’ historic regatta on bay

More than 100,000 people will flock to Geelong’s waterfront next week for the city’s Festival of Sails, organisers have predicted.
The 2016 running of one of Australia’s oldest sports events would be “bigger and better than ever”, they promised.
The regatta, with various onshore entertainment and activities, will begin next Friday and conclude on 26 January.
“This really is such a unique event that brings together not only world class sailing on a grand scale but also a massive free community celebration,” Royal Geelong Yacht Club Commodore and festival chairman Chris Williams said.
“This year we’re delighted to be hosting two national titles as well as introducing two new trophies for helmswomen and young sailors in a competitive fleet expected to attract close to 300 boats.
“Put that on-water offering together with an exciting Shoreside Festival of live music and entertainment including Australia Day eve fireworks and there genuinely is nothing quite like this event in the Southern Hemisphere.”
Racing will begin with a 173rd Melbourne to Geelong Passage Yacht Race on 23 January.
“Right now the forecast for the passage race is looking terrific and we have our fingers crossed for some spectacular sailing conditions and sensational racing,” Mr Williams said.
Two national championships, a Bausele Australia VX One National Championship and a Morris Finance Sydney 38 One Design Australian Championship, will be contested during the festival.
“We are genuinely delighted to be once again hosting the Festival of Sails,” Mr Williams said.
“With world-class sailing combined with first-class and free family fun and entertainment, we believe you would be hard-pressed to find a better event anywhere.
“Holding it on the stunning waters of Corio Bay and the beautiful Geelong foreshore just makes it that much better.”