More than 200 boats and thousands of onlookers - the biannual Paynesville Classic Boat Rally was a spectacular success last weekend.
The Paynesville foreshore was abuzz from Friday afternoon with the launch of END OF AN ERA - The Last Gippsland Lakes Fishermen, a historical pictorial and oral document detailing the last 10 commercial Gippsland Lakes fishing licence holders, through to Saturday’s grand parade and Sunday’s parade of sail, as well as the numerous other events within the event. 
Rally secretary Chris Svenson said the feedback from everyone who attended is “fantastic”.
“Those from far afield have already promised to come back in 2026,” she said.
“The grand parade was a spectacular sight led by the three local dragon boats and the Coral Trekker, a tall ship from Sydney.

IMAGE: Sea Creature tackling the wild winds during the sail past last Sunday morning.