One of the largest learn to sail programs in Australia’s history took place as part of the Festival of Sails 2025. Free “Come & Try Sailing” sessions on 25 January and 26 January officially sold out, with over 500 participants. Meanwhile, on the waters of Corio Bay, 1100 sailors raced across 16 divisions in over 30 separate starts.
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The Come & Try Sailing sessions took place on RS21 keelboats—allowing participants to experience sailing on a stable and comfortable platform with a trained instructor on board to guide participants through the experience.
“We’re ecstatic about the volume of sign-ups and we were excited to have the opportunity to expose such a large number of people from the Geelong community to the sport of sailing,” said Drew Malcolm, Sailing & Boating Manager at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club. “The Come & Try Sailing program was a great way for everyone, regardless of experience, to get out on the water and experience the excitement of sailing in a safe and enjoyable way.”
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The Come & Try Sailing experience as part of the Discover Sailing program was open to all ages and abilities, making it the perfect family activity, or a fun way to try something new. With easy access from Wangim Walk, the sailing sessions were at the heart of the Festival, allowing participants to seamlessly transition from the water to the vibrant festival atmosphere.
On the race track, in Passage Rating Division 1, Team Hollywood skippered by Raymond Roberts claimed victory in race 2 to lift themselves into the lead on IRC and AMS. Fargo skippered by Ari Abrahams leads on ORC, with Damien Thomas’ PP1 holding top position in the Super 40’s series.
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Clockwork’s co-skippers Andrew Lloyd and Mary Ann Harvey still continue their lead on IRC in Passage Rating Division 2. Nigel Jones and Cam Mckenzie’s Ginan near-perfect scorecard means they remain top of the leaderboard on AMS and ORC.
The top spot remains unchanged in Passage Rating Division 3, with Executive Decision skippered by William Sheers leading on ORC but staying second on AMS, with Arch De Triomphe skippered by John Neville remaining steadfast in first place.
Passage Rating Division 4 sees Watermark II co-skippered by David Suda and Herschel Landes continue to lead on both ORC and AMS.
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For the Double Handed division, The Muppet Show co-skippered by Peter Williams and Matt Turner are tied for first place with James Russell’s Surprise on both ORC and EHC. The Muppet Show also continues to lead on AMS in the division.
Just Chillin’ skippered by David Morell leads on EHC in the Passage Spinnaker Division 1 series with two finishes within the top three in the racing today.
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For Passage Spinnaker Division 2 series, Geoff Adams’ True Colours leads on EHC. In the Passage Spinnaker Division 3 series Kevin Curtis’ Sea Eagle are winning on EHC. Fleurieu Warrior skippered by Trevor Brown are the current leaders on Passage Spinnaker Series 4 on EHC.
Stephen Blackburn’s Pronto is dominating the Passage Non-Spinnaker Series, continuing his perfect scorecard today.
In the Multihull Series, Kavala skippered by Dave Ruffin continued his perfect score card to stay top of the leaderboard on OMR with Nathan Power’s Playtime in podium position on EHC.
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The overall first place position in the Mornington Peninsula Passage Series is currently held by Aye Sea Red skippered by Monica Jones on a countback over Lyndal II skippered by Phil Coghill.
On the windward leeward courses, in the S80 class, Manfred Herzer on Jack Tar had two bullets on scratch, and in EHC and leads in both divisions.
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The Classic Boat Series, the Passage Mini Series and the J24’s wrapped today.
The Classic Boat Division was won by Geoffrey Sadler on his stunning Lupa Wylo, the Passage Mini Series was won by Cracked skippered by Cameron Dixon, and in the J24s Jack Fullerton’s Two Dogs won the division overall.
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Tomorrow the WL Curtis Cadet Sprints kick off, and 23 Cadets will join the festivities, adding 46 youth sailors to the action.
With soaring temperatures and sporty breezes forecast, the racing will be earlier than first scheduled for the final day of racing.
For more information about Come & Try Sailing and other Festival of Sails activities, visit the website www.festivalofsails.com.au and for more information on the Discover Sailing program head to www.discoversailing.org.au.
