Hello, sailor: Ted Baillieu launches Geelong’s 2012 Festival of Sails.
GEELONG’S historic Festival of Sails will remain a “permanent fixture” on Victoria’s major events calendar, according to organisers.
They said Premier Baillieu had “signalled” that local and state government support would help maintain the 168-year-old regatta in Geelong.
Mr Baillieu has raised an event flag at Royal Geelong Yacht Club to launch the 2012 festival.
Car manufacturer Audi sponsored last year’s event after taking over naming rights from international finance company Skandia. Audi declined to sign on again for 2012.
Festival executive officer Mark Turnbull said January’s “shoreside festival” was shaping up as another “successful event” for Victoria.
“This event would not be possible if it was not for the substantial support of both the State Government and City of Greater Geelong,” he said.
“The Festival of Sails has a rich history of delivering strong economic and community benefits to the state and city of Geelong.
“While the regatta element of the Festival of Sails will showcase the world’s best sailor over a week of competition on Port Phillip and Corio bays, the event is focussed on providing an opportunity for all visitors to be exposed to the wide range of accessible, healthy lifestyle activities that our fantastic bays and beaches provide us.”
Mr Turnbull said the festival would feature a variety of entertainment and activities free to the public. More than 400 yachts and over 4500 participants from around Australia and overseas “consistently” attended the event.
The Festival of Sails begins in Melbourne on January 21 before concluding in Geelong on January 29 after a week of racing.
