Delivery day sets the scene for the big race at Goolwa Regatta Week
by Harry Fisher 27 Jan 2018 01:38 NZDT
20-27 January 2018
Down Under Sail enjoyed sailing with the Sea Bomb team on its way to Milang – Goolwa Regatta Week © Cass Schlimbach
Sailors were treated to the lifestyle of the Lower Lakes region today as the full fleet of boats for tomorrow's Milang-Goolwa Freshwater Classic made the trip down the river a day early.
The day before the big race has traditionally been known as 'delivery day' with the bulk of the fleet enjoying a leisurely few hours sailing to the race start destination.
Down Under Sail was lucky enough to jump on board Harry Cooper's Sea Bomb and venture to Milang with a group of sailors that were enjoying a taste of the local atmosphere – whether that be having a quiet drink, swimming around the boat or pushing it to its limits, it was all in good fun.
The breeze was lacking early so boats started the voyage under motor, however as the procession moved closer to Point Sturt and then into Lake Alexandrina the breeze was up and behind the stern, creating a full set of spinnakers closing in on Milang.
If you've never been to this event, it truly is one to write down on the bucket list as the trailable yachts and dinghies roll up and park themselves in the reeds, setting the scene for a great evening in this iconic coastal destination.
As we were arriving, Dan Curtis and his team on Nerana were parked next to our spot in the reeds and set the scene for an enjoyable welcome to the township.
Later we were ferried to the foreshore and the hospitality of the Milang Regatta Club was noticeable from the outset, with dinner getting fired up on the barbecue and the drinks on ice, ready for the sailors.
Anyway, before we get carried away with how good a destination this place is, we'll let you imagine it for yourselves and start wishing you were here rather than somewhere else.
The Milang-Goolwa Freshwater Classic starts tomorrow with about 10 divisions starting every 10 minutes from about 9am.
Depending on weather, make sure you're also staying tuned to our page for the finish as we will be interviewing the boats as they cross the line.
Feature video on the delivery from Goolwa to Milang
Interview with Eli Bickley, sponsor of Goolwa Regatta Week from Coorong Quays