Goolwa Regatta Week 2019
19 ~ 27 January
Milang-Goolwa Freshwater Classic Race is on Australia Day long weekend… after a week of community fun
Goolwa Regatta Week 2019 is offering many reasons for holiday-makers, yacht racers, casual sailors, families and friends to spend time in this beautiful part of the Fleurieu Peninsula, where the Murray River meets the Sea.
Regatta Week includes events on and off the water from Saturday 19 January to Sunday 27 ~ including Australia Day celebrations in the historic river towns of Goolwa and Milang.
Picture a town centre just metres from the Murray, with steam powered Paddle Wheelers, a fleet of century old sailing yachts, and the famous SteamRanger Cockle Train, plus restaurants, wine bars, a distillery on the wharf overlooking the action – and that's a perfect day in Goolwa.
The Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club (GRYC) has conducted the iconic Milang-Goolwa Freshwater Classic since 1974 and more recently expanded the program of associated community events to create Goolwa Regatta Week.
The sporting highlight is always the Milang-Goolwa Freshwater Classic yacht race, to be held on Sunday 27 January. Being a long weekend, boat crews and visitors will have more time to relax & stay after the race. The Classic is sponsored by Finniss River Vineyards and Coorong Quays estate and marina on Hindmarsh Island.
The 50 km long Milang to Goolwa Freshwater Classic is a must-do race every year for hundreds of sailing families from around the State and further afield. The 2018 race attracted almost 200 boats, with more than 1,000 crewmembers competing, with most boats having 4 or more crew.
The race starts near historic Milang jetty, proceeds across SA's largest inland waterway, Lake Alexandrina, to a turn at Point Sturt, and downstream past Clayton cliffs to the finish at Goolwa. There are many excellent viewing points at Milang, Point Sturt, Clayton town cliffs and along the river sides on Liverpool Road or from Hindmarsh Island as boats complete the race.
"The Milang Goolwa is an iconic event, held in SA's best recreational water playgrounds. Regatta Week helps to showcase the Lower Murray lakes, River Murray, Hindmarsh Island and Coorong waterways as a significant tourist attraction," said Commodore Louise Edwards.
Regatta Week Activities…
Saturday 19th January
1.00pm – 4.00pm: Marina Challenge Race – in Southern lagoons of Coorong Quays, prizes & party at Islander's Tavern
Sunday 20th January
9.00 am – 5.00pm: Aqua Spectacular family fun day at Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club, Barrage Road
Includes Sailability Regatta, Sand Castle Building, Inflatable Pool Toy Race for kids, Sailing Displays, Goolwa Vintage Boat Club Yacht Race, Food and Beverages all day, Race Presentations at the Club
Monday 21st January
2.00 pm: Radio Controlled Yacht Regatta at the GRYC marina, followed by Presentations
Wednesday 23rd January
4.00 pm – 9.00 pm: Dominant BBQ Cook-Off Competition - Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club
Thursday 24th January
6.00 pm – 7.00pm: Tune Up Yacht Race – in front of Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club followed by Presentations
Friday 25th January
6.00 pm: Kies Hardware Dash for Cash – view from the Club marina dock on Barrage Road, followed by Cash Presentations and a party celebration
Saturday 26th January
8.00 am – 10.00 am: Big Breakfast, before boats travel up to Milang. Festivities at Milang Regatta Club all day.
Sunday 27th January
9.00 am: The GRYC presents the Milang Goolwa Goolwa Freshwater Classic race – starting near Milang jetty
All Day; Food & beverage on the club lawns. Watch the boats arrive from the Marina Dock
7.30 pm: Race Presentations and a major Party & Music event at Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club.
Further enquiries to Commodore Louise Edwards,
