New name for yachting series
31 Aug 2009
The Docklands Invitational yacht racing is coming back next January under a new sponsorship regime.
Previously part of Skandia Geelong Week, next year’s event will be part of Audi Victoria Week.
The Royal Geelong Yacht Club said it amicably concluded its relationship with Skandia after the Australia arm of the company was sold and Audi had stepped into the breach.
The Victorian Government has also entered the sponsorship space with a three-year deal.
The yacht club says the sailing series is Victoria’s oldest sporting event.
“We have seen a few changes over time, but we regard this as the most significant, and the most exciting, in the 165 year history,” Royal Geelong Yacht Club Commodore Graeme Ritchie said.
There have only been five name changes spread across three centuries.
“Victoria Week best describes where the event is now at in terms of development. Audi Victoria Week is staged in both Melbourne and Geelong and the event showcases how the waterfront cities are linked by Port Phillip,” Commodore Ritchie added.
Audi Victoria Week is expected to attract more than 500 competing yachts over six days from January 21-26, 2010.
Racing begins in Melbourne with the Docklands Invitational and the sailing version of 20/20 cricket – King of the Docklands. Fleets then combine for the annual Melbourne to Geelong race and the program continues in Geelong through to Australia Day on 26 January.
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