The world's best sailors are converging on the Waterfront to prepare for the biggest range of elite events to ever be held in Geelong.
Four high-profile Olympic sailing classes will compete on Corio Bay this summer, ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in July.
The Royal Geelong Yacht Club will host Oceania and World Championships for the 49er (men), 49erFX (women) and Nacra 17 divisions from 30 January to 15 February.
The Laser Masters' Australian, Oceania and World Championships follow in March.
Our bumper 'Summer of Sailing' will be spearheaded by the famous Festival of Sails over the Australia Day weekend, creating a jampacked calendar of international interest.
The world championships event site will be established next week, as the first of about 170 Nacra 17, 49er and 49er FX vessels arrives in Geelong from across the globe.
Crews will be training in Geelong ahead of the world championships, with their boats able to be viewed inside the Yacht Club and an adjacent area of Eastern Beach.
The event site will provide public viewing areas and low-level fencing so visitors can get an up-close experience of the Olympic sailors preparing and launching their high-tech vessels.
This will offer a unique experience for spectators, as generally the launching areas are not easily seen.
The Summer of Sailing will have a major financial impact, with the World Championships alone estimated to inject $6.8 million into the local economy.
The Festival of Sails last year generated an estimated economic benefit of $10.6 million, with about 100,000 people enjoying the free public waterfront activities.
On-shore entertainment through the festival includes live music, entertainment, stalls and a dedicated kids' zone.
The Laser Masters World Championships has so far attracted 289 entries from 27 different countries.
The City of Greater Geelong has provided support for the feature events through Geelong Major Events funding, with further funding provided by the Victorian Government.
Geelong's Summer of Sailing:
Festival of Sails - 25 January to 27 January
49er, 49er FX, Nacra 17 Oceania Championships – 30 January to 3 February
49er, 49er FX, Nacra 17 World Championships – 6 February to 15 February
The Wooden Boat Festival of Geelong – 6 March to 9 March
Laser Masters Oceania and Australian Championships – 13 March to 18 March
Laser Masters World Championships – 19 March to 28 March
Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher
Securing four world championship events this summer is a great coup for Geelong and further raises the region's standing on the elite sports calendar. Geelong is the home of the sport for the next two months, ensuring all the eyes of the sailing world are on our region.
Scores of world-class sailors are using Geelong as a base to practice and compete in world championships prior to the Tokyo Olympics. The new viewing platforms will add an exciting element to the events and provide rare access to the Olympians and their impressive craft.
