This sailing race boasts the longest tradition. The first time the festival was held here in 1844. In addition to the yacht competition in Geelong, there are sea-themed exhibitions. The festival is held for three days, one of them traditionally falls on January 26th—Australia Day. ABout 300 yacht entries and 3,000 competitors annually take part in the event, making it the largest keel boat regatta in the Southern Hemisphere.

For those who do not participate in competitions on the water, there are also a lot of exciting activities on the shore: about 100 thousand people rush annually to the coast of Geelong to see the colourful show. The festival also includes performances on stage, shops with excellent products and wines, and evening fireworks.

Organisers provide the on-water Come & Try Zone and a specially designed family-friendly kids zone along the Geelong Waterfront and in the Royal Geelong Yacht Club