Registrations open for Bribie Regatta

It’s almost that time of the year again when dozens of classic and lovingly restored boats descend on the Pumicestone Passage at Bribie Island for the hugely popular Bribie Classic Boat Regatta.

Hosted by Bribie Aquatic Community Events Inc (BACE), the much-loved family-friendly event will delight boating enthusiasts of all ages from May 19-21.

Now in its 24^th year, the event is a great way for people in the boating community to get together and show off their pride and joy to the public.

BACE secretary Doug Wilson said the event is already gaining a lot of attention, with around 40 boats registered.

“This year we opened our registrations in March and on the first day we had 15 people register straight away which was amazing,” Doug said.

“That number has jumped up to almost 40 boats, and with a few weeks still left to go, we estimate there will be around 70 to 80 boats taking part this year.

“There is a lot of interest from new people we haven’t heard from before, as well as some regulars that attend each year.”

All the fun will begin on Friday, May 19 when the boats arrive by road or by sea and their owners meet and greet at the Bribie Island Hotel.

The next morning, following a briefing and breakfast at Bribie Beach Shack (who have generously given a safety boat for the event), the boats will depart from Spinnaker Sound Marina at Sandstone Point Hotel for a leisurely voyage out into the Pumicestone Passage up to Toorbul and Donnybrook.

“All of the boats will go out for a cruise from 9am till around lunchtime which is at Toorbul, with the Toorbul Community Association providing a lunch for the boaties,” Doug said.

“Then after lunch the boats will come across the Pumicestone Passage to the Pacific Harbour Marina where people can come and get a close up look at the boats while they are anchored and have afternoon tea.”

The Saturday festivities will conclude with the event’s annual dinner at the Bribie Island RSL Club.

“This year’s dinner is a little different because not only will we be having a sit-down dinner, but we have also got some live music planned and a trophy presentation,” Doug explained.

“We will have trophies for the Pride of the Fleet, the Best Sailing Boat, and the Best Motorboat.

“We used to give out these awards on the Sunday, but this year we decided on presenting them at the dinner.”

Check out the Grand Parade

The Grand Parade on Sunday morning will be the highlight of the weekend.

“The Grand Parade will start at the Pacific Harbour Marina and then everyone will head down to Sylvan Beach. The bigger boats will be anchored off the water and the smaller boats will pull up on the sand,” Doug explained.

There will also be several demonstrations from local organisations including the Mahalo Outrigger Canoe Club, Bombora Outrigger Canoe Club, two dragon boat clubs and the Bribie Island Surf Lifesaving Club.

There will also be pop-up stalls, food stalls, a coffee van, a sausage sizzle, live music, markets, face painting and more.

What’s new this year

With anticipation growing, Doug said there are a number of new and exciting things planned for this year’s Regatta.

For people who are interested in coming up to Bribie Island but might live a little too far away, they can organise a trip onboard Lady Brisbane.

“Lady Brisbane sails from Brisbane up to Bribie Island, so we have organised an excursion to come up on the Saturday morning,” Doug said.

“Brisbane Cruisers are selling tickets and will go along the historic Koopa Trail.

“People will come ashore at the Bongaree Jetty and will jump on a shuttle bus that will take them up to the Pacific Harbour Marina to see all the boats, have afternoon tea and then take them back to the jetty.”

There is also a new trophy category and raffles with amazing prizes to be won.

“This year we will have a new trophy category - The People’s Choice Award,” Doug said.

“Every person that comes along to look at the boats will get a voting card to vote for the boat they like the best.

“Once the trophy has been decided, the voting cards will be placed in a hat, and we will hand out prizes to some lucky voters.

“First price is a historic flight on the Australian RAAF WWII Wirraway which is valued at over $500. That is through War Planes Propriety Limited.

“Second prize is an eco-tourism cruise with Ferryman Cruises.

“With these great prizes up for grabs, everyone is encouraged to vote.”

There will also be the opportunity for someone to win a 12-foot sailing boat.

“The Wooden Boat Association of Queensland Inc were given a boat which they have finished and will launch it into the water for the first time on Sunday morning,” Doug said.

“You can try your hand at winning the boat by purchasing a $5 raffle ticket, with all proceeds going to BACE.

“There will also be secondary prizes from Boatcraft Pacific and third prize is an annual membership to the Wooden Boat Association of Queensland Inc.”

Doug would also like to publicly thank everyone involved in this year’s event for their generosity by either donating prizes or supporting the event to help make sure this year is bigger and better than before.

Find out more

If you are interested in registering for the Bribie Classic Boat Regatta, or would like to know more about the weekend, visit www.BACE.org.au, like Bribie Classic Boat Regatta on Facebook and Instagram or email [email protected]