A prized competitor's jacket belonging to round the world solo sailor Nick Moloney will be put up for auction to raise money for cancer treatment and care.

The jacket has been signed, framed and generously donated by Nick's parents Ray and Creina Moloney.

It will be sold tomorrow during a live cross to the Atlantic Ocean, as Nick continues to compete in the world's toughest ocean race, the Vendee Globe on-board the Open 60 Skandia.

Former Geelong boy, Nick Moloney, is patron of the regatta's official charity, Sail 4 Cancer, and proceeds from the jacket will be used by the charity to help cancer patients in the Geelong region.

Moloney is currently in the closing stages of the Vendee Globe race as he attempts to be the first person to race around the globe in 3 disciplines: crewed with stops; fastest non-stop; solo non-stop.

He is holding 7th place in the grueling Vendee Globe race and is taking time out to link live with the crowds enjoying the festivities at Skandia Geelong Week.

Following the live link, Skandia's Global Marketing Director, Andre Oszmann, and Royal Geelong Yacht Club's Commodore, Peter Stephens, will auction Nick's jacket on the RGYC stage.

Sail 4 Cancer Australia Director; Richard Groome said that the sale of such a unique item would generate significant funds to help people affected by cancer in the local area.

'We are anticipating huge support from the audience, consisting of the sailing fraternity, Geelong community, and Skandia,' he said.

'Bidding should start at around $500 and the competition for this rare piece of sailing memorabilia promises to generate significant funds for the many people of Geelong community touched by cancer.

The auction will take place after 7:00pm, Sunday 23 January, on the RGYC main stage (time may vary due to 'hook-up' variables).

About Sail 4 Cancer:

Sail 4 Cancer, now in its second year as the Official Charity, was started by a group of keen sailors who had lost a close friend or relative to cancer.

Sail 4 Cancer raises funds for cancer treatment, research and care, through the organisation of high profile sailing events, and uses sailing as a medium to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their carers.

A commitment to Geelong cancer care is the focus of this year's Sail 4 Cancer campaign. Proceeds from this year's effort will go toward the provision of special equipment to help enhance the comfort and care of patients undergoing cancer treatment

Director of Sail 4 Cancer Australia, Allison Murphy said 'by purchasing a raffle ticket, attending one of the functions that supports Sail 4 Cancer, or just by dropping a gold coin in the collection boxes located throughout the regatta, visitors to the Skandia Geelong Week can contribute to the important fight against cancer.'

Funds raised during the regatta be donated directly back into the Geelong community, as Sail 4 Cancer helps local cancer care providers fund equipment and patient support services 'sail toward a cancer free world'.