Audi Victoria Week

One of the largest sailing regatta's in Australia, the Audi Victoria Week, will take place at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC), for what is it's 166th staging.

The event was first started in 1844 and was officially recognised in 1859 and now entries for the 2010 regatta have closed. The RGYC confirmed that a fleet of 441 yachts had signed on.

"Once again the multi-faceted event has attracted a huge range of Australia's best sailors chasing their share of the silverware, as well as those who come to enjoy the action on and off the water," said regatta chairman and RGYC vice commodore Andrew Neilson.

"As usual we have made a few changes to freshen things up including adding a production division to the Docklands Invitational event, and adding another off-the-beach class, the Formula 18s, with 25 18 foot skiffs from around the country making their way to Geelong to add plenty of razzle dazzle.

"With Audi coming on board as the new naming rights sponsor of the event, this is the start of a new era. We acknowledge the involvement of Audi as the new major sponsor as well as all our support sponsors," added Neilson.

The week-long event is expected to attract more than 4000 sailors and their families, who will stay Melbourne and Geelong.

The Docklands Invitational is a five race series, running between January 21-22, which will be followed by King of the Docklands on the same dates, which is a knock-out event aboard the SB3s and is open to all divisional winners from the past two years.

The Audi IRC Series will be one to watch out for, a race from Melbourne to Geelong on Saturday January 23.

As well a vast racing program, the Audi Victoria Week will also host a range of shoreside events and activities, including more than 60 live acts. With stars such as Darryl Braithwaite, Wendy Matthews, Brian Mannix, Scott Carne and Sean Kelly all performing on waterfront stages, the festive atmosphere will be in full swing. Let's just hope the weather is good!

Even if you aren't a seasoned ocean-goer you can check out the free 'Go Sailing' program supported by William Angliss, where newcomers will be paired with qualified instructors off Eastern Beach to learn the ropes, so to speak.

On Monday January 25, the annual Bay FM 'Fireworks Spectacular' will turn faces to the night sky and, as always, the pyrotechnics will be choreographed to music, adding a certain artistry to the display.

Check out the official Victoria Week website for more details.