Three of Cowes most famous businesses are on board for Cowes Yacht Club's 29th running of the Australian Air Safaris Around French Island Catamaran Challenge next weekend on Saturday February 15.

Ocean Reach Brewing have been announced as the official beer of the event and have the naming rights for the prestigious 'Line Honours' trophy awarded to the fastest Catamaran around French island.

If the wind and conditions are right this could be as fast as three hours with world class sailors attacking the race on some of the highest performance catamarans in the country.

"Cowes Yacht Club sailors are amazing supporters of Ocean Reach Beer, so we couldn't be more excited to return the support and jump onboard this event," said Ocean Reach owner Wayne Bismire.

"Naming the Line Honours trophy is very cool; hopefully this year we see the record for the fastest finish time."

Another business behind the event is Wildlife Coast Cruises who will be supplying their Kasey Lee ferry for spectators to go and watch the start of the race.

While on a much smaller scale but similar to all the spectator boats at the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race, this is an amazing opportunity to be out on the water and up close to the race.

Cowes Yacht Club is very excited Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead will officially start the race using the Ferry's horn.

"This event is a fantastic showcase of our region's world-class sailing talent and the strong community spirit that makes Bass Coast such a special place," said Cr Halstead. 

"It's wonderful to see local businesses like Ocean Reach Brewing, Wildlife Coast Cruises, and Isola Di Capri supporting the event, enhancing the experience for competitors and spectators alike.

"I'm honoured to be starting the race and look forward to seeing these high-performance catamarans in action."

Spectators

Spectators can book themselves a ringside seat for the action, on board a special Wildlife Coast Cruise.

"Last year tickets sold out in 45 minutes, and we had just over 90 people on the Kasey Lee," said Wildlife Coast Cruises Captain John Dickie.

"The spectators loved it and it was a brilliant spectacle; so much so we cannot wait to be part of the event again next weekend."

Isola Di Capri is supplying pizza to the 90 competitors, family, friends and Cowes Yacht Club members at a welcome function at the club.

Cowes Yacht Club Commodore Andrew Janson is thrilled by these partnerships.

"How good is it having these local businesses support this event, the best pizza on Phillip Island, the best beer in Australia and the brilliant team from Wildlife Coast Cruises.

"I am super thankful to them. Their help really will make this a fantastic event for our competitors, volunteers and the public to enjoy."

The Phillip Island community has embraced the event with enthusiasm.

In 2024, hundreds of spectators gathered at the Yacht Club to witness the race start.

This year, Cowes Yacht Club again wants everyone to come down to the club or get tickets on the ferry and support the best sailors in Australia.

At the club will be a free sausage sizzle and coffee truck with a two for one coffee deal, all being provided thanks to the Red Rocks Golf Course.

There are also lots of giveaways for spectators including event merchandise and rounds of golf at the Red Rocks Golf Course.

Tickets on the Wildlife Coast Cruises Ferry are very limited; boarding will start at the Cowes Pier at 11.15am and are only $5 per person.

Bookings open on Thursday February 6 at 10am https://www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au/catamaran-challenge

The Australian Air Safaris National Around French Island Catamaran Challenge will take place on February 15, with entries capped at 70 competitors.

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