The March Labour Day weekend will see the Royal Geelong Yacht Club come to life with its biennial Wooden Boat Festival being held on Corio Bay and Geelong’s beautiful waterfront precinct.
The free event will feature both on shore exhibitions of craft and plenty of amazing boats of all shapes and sizes along the Royal Geelong Yacht Club marina. Not only will there be dozens of yachts and ocean racers but a huge collection of fishing boats, putt puts, classic speed boats dinghies and other wooden sea craft.
Some 150 vessels are expected to take part in the three day festival with around 1000 participants sailing or supporting the crew. The festival runs between Saturday 9th March and and Monday. the 12th of March 2018.
As well as the magnificent flotilla of sea craft there will be plenty of fun on shore with exhibitions and demonstrations relating to all aspects of sailing and life on the sea. Learn how to tie knots, or lean how to restore boats and I’m shore there will be a tale or even a sea shanty or two from some of the skippers and proud owners. There is a huge family themed program with lots of fun for the young including pirates, tall ships to explore, treasure hunts and plenty of opportunities to get hands on with wooden boats or even sail on one a tall ship.
The RGYC will feature a nautical shopping marketplace where you can pick up some great all weather clothing or other sea faring supplies. There will be plenty of tasty treats to try to, so you are sure not to go hungry.
A highlight of this years festival will be the Grand Parade of Boats that takes place between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM on Sunday. The whole Geelong waterfront will offer spectacular viewing locations for what will be a sight to remember.
This is one of a number of great events the Royal Geelong Yacht Club hosts over the year, with the biggest event being the Australia Day Festival of Sails which is a staple on Geelong’s major event calendar. The next Geelong Wooden Boat Festival should be held around March 2020.