2013 Festival of Sails

Once again the Geelong Waterfront will be the place to be this Australia Day week with the annual Festival Of Sails spanning the entire waterfront and Corio Bay. Over four hundred yachts and four and a half thousand competitors are due to hit the water in what is the longest running sail event of its kind in Australia.

Previous years have seen in excess of one hundred thousand people flock to the event to watch the spectacular Bay FM Fireworks, some of Australia’s best talent and a carnival atmosphere that stretches the entire waterfront.
This year the four day event starting on the 24th of January will see the likes of Oz Made, featuring members of some of Australia’s most loved and classic bands including the Models and Icehouse. They will be pumping out some great Aussie favourites from Cold Chisel, to Hunters and Collectors and even Daddy Cool.
Red Ink one of the best indie bands on the music scene at the moment will be performing on Australia Day as is folktronica songwriter Hayden Calnin.

After performing at the iconic Glastonbury Festival all sister act Stonefield, that have been tagged as a female equivalent to Deep Purple will grace the stage leading up to the fireworks, while soul diva Jade MacRae will perform on the lush lawns at the RGYC.
Probably the biggest musical highlight this year will be legendary Australian artist Diesel who will perform some of his classic hits spanning over twenty years closing the festival for another year.
The Chaparral Waterski Stunt Show returns to Geelong after some fantastic visits during the last few months and promise to put on a spectacular performance once again.
Steampacket Gardens will host the main activity hub for many of the family activities. The lawns will host much of the entertainment including some of the great music. There will be food and drinks and the art and craft market selling a wide range of innovative and unique items.

Beside the RGYC on Fairnie park there will be a gourmet food and wine showcase featuring some laid back music and delicious food overlooking the yacht masts in the marina. While above the RGYC on Transvaal Square the whole area will turn into a huge kids zone with fun for the young complete with carnival rides, petting zoo and enjoyment for the little ones.
The fun stretches to Eastern Beach with a come and try zone for those interested in learning how to sail. The boardwalk along Richie Boulevard will be a place for volleyball, the giant skywheel and a huge marketplace.