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RACE HISTORY & OUTLINE
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 on 27th December 1966. From
Goolwa to Milang, it was destined to become Australia’s biggest freshwater race.
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 a yachting classic.
With the emphasis on safety of competitors the Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club adopted
the running of the race in 1974.
The event is conducted over the January long weekend each year and is sailed in
12 divisions.
The race is conducted with the support of a large club rescue fleet supported by
the Department of Marine and Harbours, the Police and other appropriate
organisations.
Racing Management
The racing committee led by the Vice Commodore has developed a very
thoroughly researched handicap system for the local waters of Goolwa and the
lakes. Due to the unique conditions of shallow inland waterways the standard
handicap calculations which have been developed for ocean conditions are not an
accurate reflection of performance in the Lower Murray Lakes and to give all
competitors a fair chance the local handicaps are used in all events.
Full racing facilities are provided by the GRYC including Official Start Boat,
crewed by experienced race administrators, Finish Line Officials and a rescue
boat which is always on the course for every race and for the Milang-Goolwa
event a fleet of fifteen rescue boats are stationed along the thirty kilometre
course.
Competitors
Recent years have seen competitor numbers of around 450, with the Trailer Sailer
classes providing the majority of the boats but with strong representation in
the River Boat, Catamaran, and Dinghy classes.
With 450 craft racing a total of 1500 persons compete and enjoy the festivities
at Milang on the eve of the race and in Goolwa at the completion of the race.
Competition ages vary from teenagers to over 60 years of age, most of whom came
from various parts of South Australia.
Expertise
Club officers are suitably qualified to manage an event of this size. The
combined yacht racing experience of the committee includes administration of
National Championship events, Olympic qualifying events etc. The event is
supported by the Australian Yachting Federation and Yachting South Australia.
Safety
Safety of competitors is of paramount concern to Club officials. The race
conduct is delegated to the Officer of the Day (OOD) whose responsibilities
include the decision to start each division in the light of prevailing weather
conditions.
Safety is enhanced by:
 Mandatory PFD ( personal flotation device
)to be worn by all competitors for the duration
of the Race.
Publication of detailed course race
instructions posted to each competitor.
Utilisation of a large fleet of rescue
craft stationed strategically along the course.
Provision of training to rescue craft
operators.
Utilisation of a light aircraft to scan
the course.
Liaison throughout the race with Marine
and Harbours and Police rescue craft also on the course.
Promotion of Sun Smart messages in race
publicity.
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GOOLWA REGATTA YACHT CLUB INC.