Regatta entries pour in

ORGANISERS of Geelong’s Festival of Sails believe this summer’s event is shaping as one of the biggest after a surge in confirmed starters.

Entries for the three-day regatta, which runs from January 26 to 28, are tracking ahead of those recorded at the same time last year.

“We’re delighted,” festival chairman Stuart Dickson said.

“So far, we’ve already received more than 50 entries — which is well ahead of schedule for this time of the year and which is a great sign that people are keen to support the event and compete.

“We usually see an influx of entries after the Christmas holiday period, so it is exceptionally pleasing to see people getting in early.

“With the busy festive season around the corner, now is an ideal time for participants to sign up and get their crew and boat ready.”

Early entries include Matt Allen’s Ichi Ban from NSW — the winner of the 2017 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race as well as this year’s Festival of Sails.

Other entries include two multihulls from South Australia, Peter Hawker’s Carbon Credit and Gerald Volk’s Crosshair, plus 11 entries in the VX One Australian Championships, including two Geelong boats vying for the title.

“The Festival of Sails caters for all levels of sailing, from high performance racing machines to family cruisers and junior sailors,” Dickson said.

“There really is something for everyone and we are looking forward to welcoming many more entries, big and small.”

The Royal Geelong Yacht Club is expecting sailors from across Australia as well as overseas for the largest keelboat regatta in the southern hemisphere.

In 2019, the Festival of Sails also joins forces with the Australian Yachting Championships to create a weeklong celebration of sailing.