Festival of Sails 2025 Wrap: A Spectacular Weekend at RGYC

The Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC) proudly hosted the 2025 Festival of Sails, welcoming an incredible 101,000 visitors to Australia’s largest keelboat regatta and one of the country’s most celebrated waterfront events. Across the January long weekend, the Club came alive with world-class sailing, vibrant entertainment, and community spirit, reinforcing its status as the home of this iconic event.

182nd Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race

The Festival of Sails officially began with the historic 182nd Nautica House Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race, where over 200 yachts set sail across Port Phillip Bay in the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest continuously running sporting event.

For the first time ever, the majestic tall ship STS Young Endeavour served as the official start boat, marking the occasion with a cannon blast. The start was broadcast live to the Festival Big Screen and streamed online, attracting over 5,000 viewers worldwide. [View Here]

It was RGYC’s own Chutzpah, skippered by Bruce Taylor, that claimed line honours, adding another remarkable chapter to this legendary event.

Festival Fun On and Off the Water

While the racing delivered thrilling on-water action, RGYC’s Festival Village offered a jam-packed schedule of live entertainment, aerial displays, and premium waterfront hospitality, creating a buzzing atmosphere all weekend.

RAAF Roulettes Soar Over Corio Bay

Day 1 saw the RAAF Roulettes take to the skies in a breathtaking aerobatic display, thrilling thousands of festivalgoers with their precision flying over Corio Bay.

A Rocking Waterfront Stage

Music lovers were treated to a huge lineup of live entertainment, bringing energy and excitement to the Festival site:

• The Southern River Band fired up the crowd with their Aussie rock anthems, setting the perfect tone for a huge weekend.
• On Day 2, Queen Forever turned the Regatta Village into a massive singalong, with thousands belting out Freddie Mercury classics under the stars.
• The night wrapped up with a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the waterfront and capping off an unforgettable evening.

Food, Drinks & Festival Atmosphere

With Paddock by the Bay and Foredeck by Woolstore offering a wide range of delicious food and drinks, festivalgoers were spoilt for choice when it came to dining with a view. Free entertainment, roving performers, and interactive activities ensured the Festival was a fun-filled event for visitors of all ages.

Australia’s Biggest Come & Try Sailing Event

RGYC was proud to host Australia’s largest-ever Come & Try Sailing program, with over 500 participants taking to the water on RS21 keelboats. This free initiative gave newcomers of all ages and abilities the chance to experience sailing in a safe and welcoming environment.

“We’re thrilled with the response,” said Drew Malcolm, RGYC Sailing & Boating Manager. “Seeing so many people embrace the sport for the first time was fantastic.”

STS Young Endeavour Draws Crowds

The STS Young Endeavour proved to be one of the Festival’s biggest attractions, with over 1,200 visitors stepping aboard during its two-day public open dock at Wangim Walk.

Lieutenant Commander Andrew Leupen, the ship’s Commanding Officer, said:
“The turnout was incredible. Seeing so many people eager to learn about the ship and its history was truly inspiring.”

A Huge Weekend for RGYC and Geelong

With 101,000 visitors, over 240 yachts, and a Festival program bigger than ever, the 2025 Festival of Sails was another massive success for RGYC and Geelong. From world-class racing to show-stopping entertainment, the event showcased the best of sailing, hospitality, and community spirit.

As we set our sights on Festival of Sails 2026, we extend a huge thank you to our sailors, volunteers, staff, and members who made this year’s Festival so special.

🌊 See you in 2026!