Milang to Goolwa Freshwater Classic

by Event Media on 9 Jan 2006 Milang to Goolwa Freshwater Classic, sailing on January 22 - with HIGH water levels !

The Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club presents Australia’s most popular freshwater yacht race, the BEA Motors and Malaysia Airlines ‘Milang Goolwa Freshwater Classic’ on Sunday, 22nd January 2006.

It is the 40th Anniversary Race. The Milang Goolwa Freshwater Classic is a tradition in South Australia every January. Over 300 yachts including trailer sailers, multi-hulls, off the beach cats, dinghies and classic Goolwa riverboats gather for the major sporting and family event.

The race is sailed in nine divisions over 26 miles from Milang on the shore of Lake Alexandrina - across the lake, through a ‘gate’ around Pt Sturt then downstream past Clayton and down to Goolwa, finishing before the Hindmarsh Island Bridge.

'It’s more than a race, it’s a major social event for thousands of sailors and family and friends over three days,' said Race Director, Graham Roberts.

'The majority of the fleet cruises to Milang on the Saturday, with local Service Clubs providing food and beverages on the shoreline for a great social activity. A feature is the gathering of yachts in the reed islands for an overnight social event to remember.

'On the Sunday morning we have a series of divisional starts from 9 am to handle the many hundreds of boats setting out on the journey to Goolwa.'

The race weekend starts with the Friday twilight Elders 'Go for Gold' dash, held in front of the club on Barrage Road, Goolwa, in which faster trailer yachts and classic Riverboats (Restricted 21s) compete aggressively for a $700 solid gold ingot prize.

This year crews will enjoy the entertaining Coopers Cruise Challenge on Saturday as they sail from Goolwa to Milang. Prizes will be given for spotting items along the route.

Spectators crowd at vantage points along the river bank and cliff tops. A fleet of spectator craft also line the river banks on the edges of the channel to add to the carnival atmosphere of this event. The event is famous for its post-race celebrations on the GRYC lawns, with food, beverages and entertainment throughout the evening.

Nomination forms: 08 8555 2617; or www.gryc.com.au; or E-mail, mg@gryc.com.au