How It All Began
Once upon a time there were two old salts who constantly argued as to who had the fastest boat on the river. The two were colourful characters, the late Bill Appleby and the late Bill Ballard and their yachts Esther and Edith. To settle the argument a decent race was planned and sailed from Goolwa to Milang on 27th December 1966.

The two yachts were very evenly matched in those days and of the first three (years) races the biggest winning margin was three and a half minutes with the closest 12 seconds. Esther won the first two races, Edith the third.

From this point in yachting history, other boats joined in to firmly establish the race as an Australian yachting classic. With the emphasis on safety of competitors the Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club adopted the running of the race in 1974.

Goolwa Regatta Week Program:
Saturday 16th January 2021
1.00pm – 4.00pm: Marina Challenge - Southern lagoons, Coorong Quays Hindmarsh Island

4.30 pm: Marina Challenge Presentations - Islanders Tavern Coorong Quays Hindmarsh Island


Sunday 17th January 2021
Picnic Day
11:00am Sand Castle Competition

11:00am Sailability - To be confirmed due to COVID restrictions

12:30pm Open Mic on the lawn

1:45pm Vintage Yachts

2:00pm Radio Controlled Yachts

4:30pm Vintage Yachts Presentation

All events today are held at - Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club

Bar Open all day, BYO Picnic Lunch to share with friends. Bar snacks available to purchase from club after the Vintage Boat Racing.

Friday 22nd January 2021
6.00pm Kies Hardware Dash for Cash - Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club

7.45pm Kies Hardware Dash for Cash Presentations - Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club `

Saturday 23rd January 2021
1:00pm Bar Open - Milang Regatta Club

1:00pm 3 Back to Back Races for OTB Classes - Milang Regatta Club

6:00pm Dinner: Milang Regatta Club

Sunday 24th January 2021
6:00am Breakfast - Milang Regatta Club

9:00am Coorong Quays Hindmarsh Island and Kies Home Timber and Hardware present the Milang - Goolwa Freshwater Classic Yacht Race - starting at Milang

7.30pm Coorong Quays Hindmarsh Island and Kies Home Timber and Hardware present the Milang - Goolwa Freshwater Classic Yacht Race Presentations at Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club

For more information: http://www.goolwaregattaweek.com.au/

Jeff Secomb (GRYC Committee Member)