The Darwin Beer Can Regatta is a festival event begun by Darwin businessmen, Lutz Frankenfeld and Paul Rice-Chapman, which has been held annually since 1974 in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia at Mindil Beach. The inaugural event was attended by about 22,000 people which was about half of Darwin's population at the time. Participants create boats using empty beer cans, soft drink cans, soft drink bottle and milk cartons. The vessels are not tested for seaworthiness, prior to water events, and those that fall apart are part of the day's entertainment. A great many sundry events go along with the regatta, including concerts, a thong-throwing contest and the "Henley-on-Mindil" competition, where participants run their "boats" around like Flintstones cars. The Darwin Regional Tourism Promotion Association was the organiser of this event until 1978 when the event came under the aegis of the combined Lions Clubs of Darwin. Other events held on the day have included a thong-throwing contest and a competition for the best novelty hat. The 2014 Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta took place on 6 July 2014, watched by 15,000 people and attended by visitors from all over Australia. The winner of the first beer can regatta was Kevin Jaques driving the Darwin Powerboat Club's entry "Pistol Knight". Des Hoare the cricketer and then Sales Manager for Swan Brewery Darwin, presented Kevin Jaques with the winning cheques totalling $1,000, doubled because the beer can boat used only Swan beer cans. As Kevin Jaques used his 80 hp Mercury Motor he was also presented with a Mercury First sticker. The perpetual trophy is held within the NT Museum storage area and the keepsake trophy is on the mantlepiece at Kevin Jaques home. Kevin Jaques holds copies of the news clippings and the photographs of the presentations. The 2020 Darwin Lions Mini Regatta August 2nd 2020 10AM to 2PM Were still going to float your boat! The Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta is on in 2020, it just looks a little different. The Darwin Lions Mini Regatta will be held on Sunday, 2nd August, 10am – 2pm, at The Darwin Waterfront. Bring your family to a great day out full of activities including boat racing, boat judging, running races, kids’ activities and plenty more. Build your boat at home or join our team in the Smith St Mall on July 13-17, 2020. Don’t miss this iconic event! For more details on boat building workshops and COVID-19 and size restrictions please see www.beercanregatta.com.au
