Choppy weather wasn't enough to stop dozens from attending the formal opening ceremony at the Ballarat Yacht Club.

Ballarat Yacht Club Commodore Russell Hawkes said despite the cold and windy conditions, the turnout was excellent.

"We debated whether there would be racing or not, but everybody was keen," he said.

Following the ceremony, sailors took to the water where they saluted the Commodore before racing got underway.

Hawkes said the season would run through until May 2019 and then a winter series would get underway.

He said the interest in the sport continued to build.

"We were affected by the drought for some years and we lost a generation of juniors coming through" he said.

"The juniors are now building, they are out here Friday night and Saturday mornings and are keen to have a go."

Hawkes said Ballarat wasn't known for sailing, but the city had produced some top-line sailors such as Alison Weatherly who won a silver medal at the 2019 Para World Sailing Championships.

"When you tell people you sail in Ballarat they say 'where?" Hawkes said.

"Wendouree has tricky winds that funnel in from the streets which makes for tactical racing.

"The skills built here has seen sailors compete nationally and internationally."