Festival of Sails: Local emerging artists win big
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28.01.2025

Festival of Sails: Local emerging artists win big

Holly Droomer for the Emerging Artists Series @ Festival Of Sails, Geelong Waterfront on January 25, 2025 in Geelong, Victoria. © 2025 Patrick Callow, all rights reserved.
words by staff writer

The Festival of Sails 2025 wrapped on Monday and it was quite the spectacle; with 246 boats, 1100 sailors and 100,000 visitors.

We once again teamed up with the annual festival to bring the local flavour to the stage with the Emerging Artist Stage in an expanded format. 2025 saw fellow local champion of music, media and all things local, K rock 95.5 join us in the tent as local artists tested their talent for the competition title, this time for two days and with multiple divisions.

Winners received $500 cash, features in Forte Magazine, and airtime on K rock 95.5, with the runners-up earning $250 each and editorial mentions.

The overall winners; Holly Droomer and Will Gibb, have also secured a spot on the Festival of Sails main stage in 2026.

Over the two days, these local artists took home a win:

  • Holly Droomer
  • Harry from Violet
  • Emilia Fol
  • Will Gibb
  • Takoda Meadow
  • Lionel Baker

Every performer brought their own star quality to the stage over the weekend and it was an incredibly tough decision for our judges.

We wish all our artists a spectacular future in music, and hope to see them onstage again next year!

 

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A post shared by Will Gibb (@bundagibb)

King of all wins at Festival of Sails 2025

“Luck is the king of all wins,” said Raymond Roberts of his win with Team Hollywood in Passage Rating Division 1 on both IRC and AMS. Always a gentleman, Roberts politely recognised the win prior to the final day of racing, which was abandoned early due to storm activity in the area.

“We sailed well, but you still need a bit of luck. I’m happy with the result and always love coming to Geelong. It’s one of the best clubs in Australia and it’s one of our favourites.”

Over 500 Try Sailing 

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.

Unlike traditional “off the beach” dinghies, the Come & Try Sailing sessions took place on RS21 keelboats—so participants could experience the joy of 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.”

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 just steps away from the heart of the Festival, allowing participants to seamlessly transition from the water to the vibrant festival atmosphere.

There was no experience needed—just a sense of adventure! This free, fun-filled activity will be offered at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club in future, and is a ‘must do’ during the Festival of Sails 2026.