A three-day celebration of classic boats, maritime culture and cruising on the Gippsland Lakes – the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally is full steam ahead in 2024.
The rally survived the 2020 bushfires to have a wonderful, well-attended event, however in 2022, COVID lockdowns meant the Rally was unable to be held.
But now there is an enthusiastic committee keen for its return from March 1 to 3.
More than 150 boats have already registered for the event with around 300 expected, which will deliver a spectacular fleet of classic boats on water, ranging from tall ships, to sailing vessels, classic motorboats, skiffs, fishing boats, small crafts and more.
If it’s older than 25 years, or of historical value, you may see it at the rally.
On land or on water, there are many opportunities to see these boats up close and in action across the weekend.
On Saturday, the Grand Parade features all boats available on water as they sail past the crowds and through the McMillan Strait into the open waters of Lake Victoria.
On land trailered boats make a fantastic display of classic wooden, fibreglass and rowing boats.
Rooftop dinghies will line the foreshore and music, entertainment and maritime stall holders will await your discovery.
AWARDS
The Paynesville Classic Boat Rally is set to honour maritime excellence and restoration craftsmanship with a series of prestigious awards this year.
Boasting a diverse lineup of accolades, seven deserving winners will be crowned, each celebrated for their unique contributions to the world of classic boats. From the distinguished best presented larger vessel and best presented smaller vessel awards to the creatively curated best dressed vessel and best dressed crew distinctions, the event will showcase the epitome of nautical elegance.
This year holds special significance as the rally introduces the Phil Mowat Award for best larger vessel restoration, a touching tribute to the late Phil Mowat, who left an indelible mark on previous rallies and the boating community.
The best smaller vessel restoration award promises to recognise outstanding efforts in preserving maritime heritage.
Additionally, the people’s choice award, named after Garry Kenner, will be bestowed upon the boat with the most votes, celebrating both the vessel and the dedicated individuals who have left an enduring legacy in the rally’s history.
ENTERTAINMENT
Local bands will entertain the crowds, while the Bairnsdale Gentlemen’s Choir serenades the crowd with rousing sea shanties.
Witness the resurrection of the old flounder boat for an inspiring on-shore display, and be captivated by the skilful manoeuvring of model radio-controlled boats.
Prepare for an adrenaline rush as teams compete in the Bote Cote Quick and Dirty Boat Building Challenge, aiming to construct a small boat on Saturday afternoon and test it in the water on Sunday afternoon.
WELCOMING WANDERER
The Wanderer will be one of the unique historical local boats on display at the 2024 Paynesville Classic Boat Rally.
The Wanderer was built in Bairnsdale by local solicitor WB Thomson in the 1880s and has more than 130 years history of operating on the Gippsland Lakes.
She sailed and raced as a gaff-rigged yacht from the late 1880s and was converted to a cabin day boat/launch in the early 1930s.
If you want to learn more about the unique history of the Wanderer, you can inspect her as she now looks at the rally and talk to Prue Taylor, WBs great-granddaughter and the Wanderer’s current owner.
PROGRAM OF EVENTS
Friday, March 1
6pm: Boat registration and meet and greet event in Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club (GLYC). Drinks from the GLYC bar, background Music by Water & Rice.
Saturday, March 2
9am: Official opening and Welcome to Country followed by a classic speedboat demonstration in Lake Victoria.
On the Esplanade Foreshore Crashendo! will be providing the music and Radio-Controlled Model Yachts will be on display.
Bairnsdale Symphonia will be performing on the Pier 70 lawn.
10.30am: Grand Parade – McMillan Strait and 5-knot zone.
11.30am: Opening of the ‘End of Era’ display.
Noon: St Ayles Skiff and Classic Dinghy regattas.
Bairnsdale Symphonia, East Gippsland Brass and the John Nole Quartet performing on the Pier 70 lawn and Esplanade foreshore.
Bairnsdale Men’s Choir – Sea Shanties at various locations around rally site.
Talks and lectures in the Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre: Dr Kate Robb Mammal Foundation – local Burrunan Dolphins; Denise Lamble – Dragon Boats abreast; Marine Mammal Foundation – children’s workshop; Marine Safety Victoria – Regulation changes flare demonstration; Harry Bowman – classic PT boat restoration (in GLYC).
Esplanade Foreshore – radio-Controlled model yachts continue.
Grassy Point – a return of the popular Quick ‘n Dirty Boat Building Challenge.
3pm: Classic speedboat demonstration.
7.30pm: Saturday night dance in GLYC featuring the Uncles – nautical theme, drinks from GLYC bar, nibbles provided.
Sunday, March 3
9am: Classic speedboat demonstration.
Marine Mammals Foundation – children’s workshop.
Music by Bairnsdale Secondary Band and UKE U3A.
10am: Parade of Sail – McMillan Strait.
11.30am: Dragon Boat and St. Ayles Skiffs – rowing and paddling paddling tryouts.
Dr Kate Robb from the Marine Mammal Foundation on the local Burrunan Dolphins.
‘Uncle’ Russell Mullett Traditional custodian of Gunaikurnai knowledge on indigenous watercraft on the Gippsland Lakes.
Music from the East Gippsland Training Band.
Radio Controlled Model Yachts return to the foreshore.
1pm: Bowie Medling Bang and Return – off the beach near the boat ramp.
1.30pm: Classic Dingy Regatta and Quick ‘n Dirty boat building challenge.
2pm: Marine Safety Victoria – Regulation changes and flare demonstration.
Music by Brass Trio and UKE 3A
2.30pm: Raffle draw and trophy and award presentations.
3pm: Classic speedboat demonstration.
4pm: Rally end.
