STS Young Endeavour returns to fire the Festival of Sails start as entries close this Sunday

STS Young Endeavour © Kestin Farr

Australia's greatest sailing celebration is set for a spectacular beginning, with the iconic STS Young Endeavour confirmed as the official start boat for the Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race presented by Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong, firing the ceremonial cannon to launch the 2026 Festival of Sails.

Returning for the second consecutive year, the historic tall ship will once again lead the fleet from Melbourne before becoming a centrepiece of the Geelong waterfront, open for public exploration on the second day of the festival.

Festival of Sails Ambassador Nic Douglass says the Passage Race marks the official start of the Festival of Sails.

"The Passage Race is where the Festival of Sails really kicks off," Douglass said.

"I've raced it, and now even watching it, you're aware of the history and tradition behind it. It's special to be part of."

"Seeing the STS Young Endeavour on the start line sets the tone for the days of racing that follow."

With just days remaining before the entry deadline, sailors are encouraged to finalise their plans. Entries for Festival of Sails close at 11:59pm AEDT this Sunday, January 11.

Hosted at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club from January 24 to 26, Festival of Sails 2026 will feature an expanded five-day racing program. The regatta will be headlined by the Australian Multihull Championships, running from Wednesday January 21 through to Sunday January 26, bringing some of the fastest racing in the country to Corio Bay.

"The Australian Multihull Championships add another dimension to Festival of Sails," Douglass said.

"It brings more boats, more racing and a broader mix of competitors to Geelong."

Beyond the racing, the full Festival of Sails 2026 live program has been released, delivering a packed schedule of on-water and shoreside activity for sailors and spectators. Returning for a third year is the SheSails Women on Water Breakfast, one of the festival's key community events.

Hosted by Douglass, who is also the Australian Sailing SheSails Ambassador, the breakfast will feature a panel of leaders from across the sailing community, including SheSails Victorian Award Winner Robyn Ragauskas, Australian Sailing's Meg Goodfellow, and Royal Geelong Yacht Club representatives Danielle Fraser and Tilly Groves.

"The SheSails Women on Water Breakfast is an important part of the weekend," Douglass said.

"It brings people together, creates connections and highlights the breadth of talent across the sailing community."

This year's festival program also includes:

• Three days of live music, headlined by Watty Thompson & His Total Fire Band and The Ferguson Rogers Process
• A thrilling RAAF aerial display over Corio Bay
• An air-conditioned Sailors Lounge for competitors inside the new Victorian Sailing Centre
• Tall ships STS Young Endeavour and Enterprize open for public tours
• Come & Try Sailing opportunities open to the public off Wangim Walk
• The Regatta Cruise back for another year, providing front-row viewing of the fleet's arrival in Geelong
• The iconic Victory Bash Presentation Party on the Monday, featuring the Sweethearts
• And new for 2026, the Made in Geelong Showcase Stage, Artisan Market and Classic Car Showcase

With cannon fire, tall ships, elite competition, community sailing and a waterfront festival in full swing, Festival of Sails 2026 promises five days of racing and celebration on a scale not seen before.

Sailors are encouraged to secure their place before entries close at 11:59pm AEDT this Sunday, January 11.

All race documents, entries, and the full live program are available at festivalofsails.com.au