Geelong week rules again

Skandia Geelong Week 2009 surpassed all expectations once again with record entries of 473 boats and close to 5000 sailors racing across 19 categories and divisions, beating last year's tally of 457 boats competing at Melbourne Docklands and in Geelong.

Event organiser Doug Jarvis and his Rhumbline team and host Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC), were thrilled with the regatta that continues to grow in numbers and stature, with many international stars flying in for the event, not to mention attracting most of the top Australian sailors.

Of course, the regatta, the oldest in Australia, which came into existence in 1844, is not all about sailing; the onshore entertainment that includes the public was second to none and is what makes this regatta stand out from all other major sailing events in Australia.

Entertainment again included Pip Borman and his aerobatic display, kids' shows, a brilliant fireworks display on Australia Day eve, a 'rocking' police band, buskers, food stalls and lots more.

The sailing side of Skandia Geelong Week kicked off with the Audi King of the Docklands and Skandia Docklands Invitational. Due to gale force conditions on the second day of both events, racing was cancelled. It was disappointment all-round, particularly in regards to the Audi event, as there was the prize of an Audi A4 and International SB3 involved. But as only half the heats had been sailed and many of the competitors moved to Geelong for their various series, nothing could be done to solve the problem.

Following the Docklands events were the first two races of the Audi IRC Series, both of which were sailed on Port Phillip Bay. The 34.3nm Passage Race from Williamstown to Geelong was next, shortened in the Channel due to excessive winds on Corio Bay which would have endangered the fleet.

Once in Geelong, the Audi IRC Series continued with a further three windward/leeward races sailed over two days on the beautiful flat waters of Corio Bay. The series was hosted by the RGYC again.

Other Series, already started in Geelong, included the Zhik International Moth Nationals, William Angliss Institute SB3 Australian Championship, Bundaberg Rum ASBA Sports Boats National Championships, Morris Finance Sydney 38 One-Design, S80 Series and the myriad PHS, Cruising, Four Points by Sheraton Trailer Yacht, Geelong Taxi Network Multihull, Bluebird, and International Cadet series.

"IRC racing was amazingly close," said principal race officer, Denis Thompson. "We were pretty blessed with the weather and I'm very pleased with the whole event."

And at this rate we can expect another record turnout next year. More power to Geelong Week.

The Results