Festival of Sails 2026 expanded program brings together competition, live music and family festivities

Australia’s largest celebration of sailing has expanded, with the Festival of Sails now offering five action-packed days of racing. The expanded program brings together elite-level competition, community sailing, and the trademark shoreside buzz including live music and family entertainment that has made the Festival of Sails a popular event on the national sailing calendar.

The Royal Geelong Yacht Club will play host to the Australian Multihull Championships in 2026, seamlessly adding two days of weekday sailing on Corio Bay in the lead-up to its flagship long weekend regatta.

With the official Notice of Race for the Festival of Sails released today, entries are now open for the renowned celebration, including Australia’s oldest sporting event the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, now in its 183rd year.

Festival of Sails Chairman Phil Francis said anticipation is already building for what is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic editions in the event’s long history.

Francis noted “hosting the Australian Multihull Championships is a huge honour and reflects the growing strength of sailing in Victoria.

“It gives sailors even more reason to head to Geelong early, enjoy more days on the water, and be part of something really special.”

The five-day Australian Multihull Championships will begin with two days of racing on Wednesday January 21st and Thursday January 22nd, before continuing as part of the usual regatta schedule from Saturday January 24th to Monday January 26th.

MYCV Commodore and Multihull Class Spokesperson Tim Pepperell said the fleet is looking forward to racing on Corio Bay and being part of the festival atmosphere.

Pepperell enthused “Corio Bay is an incredible place to race, with flat water, reliable breeze, and plenty of space to really let the boats stretch out.

“We’re really excited to bring the 2026 Australian Championships to Geelong and expect some fast, close racing across the fleet.”

“It’s going to be a great showcase for the class. We’re expecting 20-30 boats racing under 2 divisions under PHC and OMR.”

Returning to the 2026 race schedule are favourites the Mornington to Geelong Passage Race, International Cadet Sprint Series, and a wide range of divisions catering to both rated and non-rated boats.

Beyond the racing, the festival will come alive with the traditional three-day program full of live music, food, entertainment, and family-friendly festivities across the waterfront, including the return of the historic Tall Ships. 

All race documents, including the Notice of Race, event schedule, and entry portal, are now live at www.festivalofsails.com.au.  

Images.Festival of Sails 2025 Credit: Salty Dingo and ReCreate