The 22 event regatta will take place across Saturday, with over 800 athletes taking to the Ballarat water, many for the first time.

Ballarat rowing great Eric Waller credited the City of Ballarat and the Ballarat Yacht Club for working quickly to secure the event.

"The City of Ballarat and the Ballarat Yacht Club have been able to work together so that Lake Wendouree can host these sorts of events," he said.

"It's very exciting to see this event happen in Ballarat a week out from the (Head of the Schoolboys' Regatta on 15 February)."

Mr Waller said he hopes the Geelong College Regatta will act as a catalyst in bringing more rowing events outside of Ballarat to Lake Wendouree.

"Having the Geelong College Regatta will go a long way in showing our ability to host such an event, despite the fact it will return to the Barwon River next year.

"The facilities (at Lake Wendouree) are world class now... it's up to us to continue to work to bring more major events here."

These sentiments were echoed by City of Ballarat Mayor Ben Taylor, who says the city is always working to bring more rowing events to Lake Wendouree.

"We had the World Masters Games a few years ago which brought athletes from all over the world onto the lake.

"We always want to make sure our hands are up and we're ready to take on whatever is needed from an events point of view..."

Cr Taylor added he was happy to know Lake Wendouree was Geelong College's first preference after having to move the event.

"It's great to know that Geelong College made the decision to come here instead of going all the way to Nagambie."

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