South Australia's iconic freshwater races unite for long weekend 2026 Goolwa-Milang Regatta
by Harry Fisher 22 Feb 23:54 PST
6-8 March 2026
The Goolwa-Milang Regatta Weekend will return to the waters between Goolwa and Milang from 6-8 March 2026, bringing together all types of sailors and boats for three days of racing between the two iconic waterside towns.
Hosted by the Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club in partnership with the Clayton Bay Boat Club and Milang Regatta Club, the event is a longstanding fixture on South Australia's sailing calendar.
The regatta begins on Friday 6 March with the Dash for Cash Sprint, a twilight elimination-style race right out the front of the Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club that includes a hefty cash prize for the winner.
The Lake Alexandrina Classic will be held on Saturday 7 March, with competitors sailing from Goolwa up to Point Sturt before turning into Milang and racing across Lake Alexandrina.
The weekend wraps up on Sunday 8 March with the iconic Freshwater Classic, returning the fleet from Milang to Goolwa to close out the weekend.
Overall performance across the three races determines the winner of the Alexandrina Cup, the weekend's highest honour.
The event attracts a broad mix of boats, from off-the-beach dinghies and catamarans through to trailer sailers, modern racing yachts, and classic and vintage boats.
Last year also saw the inclusion of junior and windsurfing categories, which raced between Goolwa and Clayton Bay.
Both races were established by the local sailing community several decades ago, but until recently were held on separate weekends.
Bringing the races together has created one major event, allowing the South Australian sailing community to come together for a single weekend of freshwater racing.
The regatta is known for combining competitive racing with a strong social atmosphere, where for many teams the experience and camaraderie are just as important as the results.
The Adelaide Cup long weekend timing allows sailors and crews to travel from across South Australia and interstate to participate.
Entries are now open and can be submitted via www.gryc.com.au by following the links to the Goolwa-Milang Regatta Weekend event page.
The event is proudly supported by Kies Home Timber and Hardware, Coorong Quays Hindmarsh Island, Goolwa Marine Services, Islanders' Tavern, and City Motor Group Adelaide, with additional support from the Milang Regatta Club and Clayton Bay Boat Club.
Further event information, including entry details and race documentation, is available on the official website.