Leg 1 of the Audi IRC Australian Championship.
Australia’s most prestigious inshore series. Competing yachts face a variety of courses and conditions in the six race multiple division series. The championship begins in Melbourne with short course racing on the open expanses of Port Phillip. Then it’s the historic 34nm passage race to Geelong and the protected waters of Corio Bay. The final heats are always staged on a flat and fast race course surrounded by a natural amphitheatre.

The prestigious Audi Series attracts the cream of the southern hemisphere’s grand prix keel boats. Previous winners include: Prima Donna (Vic), Terra Firma (NSW), Hawk (UK), Ticket of Leave (Vic), 38 Degrees South (Vic), Another Challenge (Vic), Hollywood Boulevard (NSW), Ichi Ban (NSW), Quantum Racing (NSW), Secret Men’s Business (SA) and reigning champion Quest (NSW).

(IRC, AMS & PH. Min. Safety Cat 5. Classes include: keel boats, multi hulls, one design, classics, cruising etc)

The historic Williamstown to Geelong passage race is a feature of Skandia Geelong Week. Dating back to the late nineteenth century, the 34 nautical mile classic begins in the waters adjacent to the Melbourne waterfront suburb of Williamstown. The massive fleet, normally accompanied by visiting tall ships and a large spectator fleet, creates a spectacular sight on Port Phillip. The Lou Abrahams Trophy is presented to the IRC winner. Race record: 2006 Skandia Wild Thing with an elapsed time 1hr 40mins 17secs.

At last a trophy for the fastest, he who dares wins, flat out sailing.  Recognition for the fastest at Skandia Geelong Week, this will be one to add to the trophy cabinet.  Sure to be a highlight of the regatta.

The most uniquely different trophies on offer at Skandia Geelong Week are undoubtedly the Teams IRC Trophy and the Geelong Advertiser Cup. The latter first presented in 1946. Honour is at stake as this prestigious trophy is awarded to the best performed club. Both series are team versus team affairs with a maximum of three yachts selected to represent their respective clubs.

Racing for the famed championship jackets, the highly competitive series attracts the cream of Australia’s sports boat sailors. Competitors’ fleet race on a variety of courses within the confines of protected Corio Bay. Previous winners include: Too Hot to Trot, Toll Group, ESP, Team G.U.E (5), Vivace, Max Power, and Game Over.

Some of Australia’s finest and oldest classic yachts compete in a series that includes a re-enactment of the first official Victorian yacht race won by Paddy from Cork in 1858. The Parks Victoria Classic Yacht Series is a popular feature of Skandia Geelong Week. The original 1858 trophy can be viewed at Royal Geelong Yacht Club.

The Cruising Divisions are the fastest growing series at Skandia Geelong Week. The cruising divisions compete on a variety of fixed mark courses commencing with the popular Williamstown to Geelong passage race. Although highly competitive at the front end, this widely appealing series is attractive to those who enjoy racing and the hectic social life that surrounds a major event like Skandia Geelong Week.

The ever expanding series attracts a wide variety of trailer yachts. Organisers are hoping to promote the series to a national audience over the next few years.

Spectacular multi hulls are always a welcome feature of Skandia Geelong Week. The competitive series is staged over a variety of fixed mark courses or triangular courses, including the 34nm passage race from Williamstown to Geelong.

Skandia Geelong Week has hosted the Yachting Victoria Open Dinghy Championships since 2004. The Championship is open to all off-the-beach dinghies with a current YV yardstick. As an addition each year a variety of Off the Beach classes and sailboards are also invited to share a bustling Corio Bay during Skandia Geelong Week. Invited classes include: Fireballs, Sharpie's, 420, 470, Laser, Impulse, OK, Moth, Sabre, International Cadets and Skiffs.

The International Cadet class competes for the Australia Day trophy.

Skandia Geelong Week regularly hosts State and National Championships. In 2008 Skandia Geelong Week held a record six national championships.

In 2009 Skandia Geelong Week will host the following championships: 

• Bundaberg Rum ASBA National Championship
• SB3 Australian Championship
• Zhik Int. Moth Australian Championship
• Leg 1 of the Audi IRC Australian Championship