Ask any true Territorian how the Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta started and you’re likely to hear a tale about the construction workers of ’75 and their heavy-drinking, littering ways.
‘A quick fix to clean up after the all workers from down south who were here to rebuild the city after Cyclone Tracy’; ‘they couldn’t handle the humidity and had to keep their fluids up’, or so the story goes.
But like so many events in the Territory, the Regatta began as a meagre bet between mates and has grown to become internationally known and a popular family event among locals and visitors alike.
“The first regatta set sail in June of 1974, six months before the infamous cyclone,” Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta President Des Gellert said.
“It was the brainchild of Palmerston entrepreneur Lutz Frankenfeld and then NT News journalist Paul Rice-Chapman.”
The Lions clubs of Darwin took over management of the quirky event in 1978 and introduced land-based and children’s events to make it a family fun day.
“Apart from soft drink and beer can boat races, we have a full day program that includes thong throwing, tug-of-wars, sandcastle competitions, beach races and Henley-on-Mindil event,” Mr Gellert said.
“All boat entries are judged in three categories including Best Soft Drink Can Boat, Best Novelty Boat and Best Beer Can Boat, but the highlight of the day is the Battle of Mindil.”
The Battle can be likened to a ‘pirate battle of old’ according to Gellert and sees entrants sail and hunt for treasure hidden at the depths of Mindil Beach.
But apart from the frivolity and water-loving fun, the Beer Can Regatta is a serious fundraising event.
Last year alone the regatta, which is a combined effort of the Nightcliff, Palmerston, Casuarina and Litchfield Lions Clubs, raised enough money to purchase a new car worth $31 000 for Anglicare.
This year, Sommerville Community Services will be the beneficiary.
“Over the last five years the Lions Clubs of Darwin have raised in excess of $100,000 for various charities, including a fully-fitted, brand new ambulance for St John Ambulance,” Mr Gellert said.
“We hope to raise enough funds at this year’s regatta to purchase a new car for Sommerville, which will enable them to extend their reach and provide family and disability services to those in need.”
The 2010 Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta is on Sunday, 8 August from 10am to 5pm at Mindil Beach.
Bar, soft drink and water facilities will be available, along with the renowned food and craft stalls of the much loved Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.
Entry is by gold coin donation or $50 for boat registrations, with all proceeds supporting the projects of the combined Lions Clubs of Darwin.
For more information visit www.beercanregatta.org.au.
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