Australia’s ‘Sailor Girl’ is the new ambassador for January’s Festival of Sails, Royal Geelong Yacht Club has announced.
Nic Douglass, a “true icon in the sailing world”, was a coup for the Southern Hemisphere’s largest keelboat regatta, said event chairman Peter Alexander.
“Nic will be our on-the-ground commentator, documenting the race action and shoreside activities through social media, interviews and videos, basically showcasing everything the event has to offer to a local, national and international audience,” he said.
A two-time world and six-time Australian champion with grade-one and Olympic World Cup regattas under her belt, Douglass has also commentated at sailing events on TV in Europe and the United States.
Douglass was “very excited” about her ambassador role with the Geelong regatta.
“Last year I was involved with more than 40 sailing events all over the world, and I love experiencing sailing communities in different countries, but I’m a proud Aussie and feel privileged to be the ambassador for an Australian event, especially over the Australia Day long weekend.
“I sailed the Festival of Sails in 2006, 2007 and 2008 and it was actually my first race week and yacht regatta and what really struck me back then was the great atmosphere and the mateship between sailors and teams – I’m really looking forward to see how the event has grown over the years.
“I’m particularly looking forward to the Passage Race, the Australia Day fireworks, some big boat racing action and to just generally soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the event, both shoreside and on the water.”
The yacht club said competitors interested in participating could obtain registration information and updates or seek more information by emailing info@rgyc.com.au.
