Australian sailing personality Nicole Douglass, aka the Sailor Girl, has signed on for Geelong’s iconic Festival of Sails for the second year in a row.
A former two-time World and six-time Australian champion in the Tasar class who is now a commentator, presenter and PR consultant, Douglass will serve as ambassador and master of ceremonies for the event, which runs from January 26 to 28.
Douglass’ company Adventures of a Sailor Girl will also officially become the media partner of the festival.
The sailor turned media personality said her love of the Festival of Sails sprang from her early memories of competing in the event.
“I sailed the Festival of Sails in 2006, 2007 and 2008,” Douglass said.
“They were actually my first race weeks and yacht regattas, as I came from a dinghy background.
“What really struck me back then and continues to do so, is the great atmosphere of the event. There is so much happening on the water, and on the shore, it is hard not to have a good time at the Festival of Sails.”
Festival chair Paul Buchholz said having Douglass return as the event’s ambassador for the second year was great for the festival.
“She will be everything from our emcee for daily presentations to our racing commentator, and will document the race action and shoreside activities as part of our media team, as well as being the official media partner to showcase everything the event has to offer to local, national and international audiences,” Mr Buchholz said.
“With consistent feedback from participants on the fantastic camaraderie that the Festival of Sails fosters, this event is as much about community and social connection as it is about sailing, and we know that the Sailor Girl is very much about helping sailors connect.”
