Festival of Sails will cruise back into Geelong’s shores for a bigger than ever year, full of waterfront festival celebrations and world-class sailing.
The three-day festival will feature a free Come and Try Sailing experience on RS21 keelboats, a regatta program and live music, along with new activities including a Classic Car Showcase and a family fun day.
Festival of Sails chair Phil Francis said the festival would blend elite international competition with community activities from Saturday 24 January to Monday 26 January.
“It’s going to be a big weekend for Geelong, and we hope to showcase what the region can do,” he said.
“I love the camaraderie and the inclusiveness for everybody that comes from the festival, along with seeing sailors interacting with people from the community.
“I thank everybody who helps with the festival and…the community who embraces the event, as without everybody embracing and actively engaging with the event, it couldn’t happen.”
Tall ships STS Young Endeavour and Enterprize will be available to explore across the weekend, along with a flying display by the Royal Australian Air Force from 3.30pm on 24 January.
Royal Geelong Yacht Club commodore Paul Buchholz said the community would also be able to see hundreds of boats from Australia and overseas compete in world-class sailing.
“This is Geelong’s event, and we’re proud of how deeply it connects sailing with the city,” he said.
“We’re building a festival that is more inclusive than ever…and Festival of Sails has always been about more than racing. It’s about people, the sailing community, and the Geelong community.
“(There will be) more opportunities for different classes of boats to participate, and more ways for the community to engage, celebrate and feel part of something truly special on Geelong’s waterfront.”
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said this year’s festival marked the first time the new state-of-the-art Victorian Sailing Centre would be used since it opened in May last year.
“This world-class facility will strengthen the 2026 Festival of Sails, making it bigger and better, providing inclusive and accessible opportunities for individuals to experience sailing,” she said.
“Geelong continues to shine as a destination for world-class events, delivering economic benefits, boosting tourism, and showcasing our incredible north-facing and vibrant waterfront.”
City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the festival was one of the region’s most cherished traditions.
“The Festival of Sails is a much-loved Geelong tradition, and the City of Greater Geelong is proud to support the 183rd edition through Geelong Major Events,” he said.
“The event brings our waterfront to life and connects our community and visitors through sailing and celebration over the Australia Day long weekend.”
Visit festivalofsails.com.au for the full program and tickets.
