Henley on Todd regatta
The Henley-on-Todd regatta is a "boat race" that has been held every spring in Alice Springs in central Australia since the early 1960s . The scene of the event is the sandy riverbed of the Todd River , which only carries water in exceptional cases. The typical competition at this event, which is not meant to be taken very seriously, consists in teams carrying “boats” without a floor across the race track as quickly as possible. What is unusual about this regatta, which is probably unique in the world , is that it has to be canceled in rainy weather - which was the case in 1993 when the Todd River exceptionally carried water. The supporting program also includes a parade and the posting of signs with inscriptions such as “No fishing” or “Beware of sharks”.
event
The Henley-on-Todd regatta is organized by the three Rotary clubs in Alice Springs with the support of numerous volunteers. To date, more than a million dollars in donations have been raised for humanitarian purposes. The event has established itself as a tourist attraction in the region. At the 51st Henley-on-Todd Regatta in 2012, 440 people took part in the competitions and there were 3,778 paying spectators. Film teams from Germany and Japan documented the event.
history
The idea came up in the early 1960s when members of the Rotary club were discussing a charity event. It was believed that a regatta was part of such an event. The fact that the next larger body of water is 1,500 kilometers away should not be an insurmountable obstacle. Reg Smith, a member of the Alice Springs Meteorological Service, had the idea that the bottom of the boats could be removed so that the crews could carry the boats instead of rowing. As in a real regatta, the boat whose bow is first at the finish and where everyone is still on board should win. Accordingly, the name of the event was based on the famous Henley-on-Thames rowing center , with the Todd River as a counterpart to the Thames . The Henley-on-Todd regatta was first held in December 1962. This makes it the event with the longest tradition in the Northern Territory .
Competitions
At the Henley-on-Todd-Regatta different "boat classes" start. In addition to rowing boats 8 and 4, there are maxi and mini yachts. The competition route leads to a “buoy” and back to the finish line. A slalom course must also be mastered in the kayak competition. The boats decorated with advertising banners are placed there. There is also a BYO boot class that allows self-construction to start. These must enclose four people, must not have any sharp edges and should somehow be reminiscent of a boat. There are also the so-called "Oxford Tubs"; These are tub-like constructions with wheels that roll on rails and which are to be moved forward by teams of two sitting in them using blades that serve as oars. There are a few other competitions, including some tailored for children. The event concludes with the “Battle of the Boats”, a battle between three dummies mounted on four-wheel drive vehicles. At this show, the organizers entertain the audience by standing on these companions, spraying water hoses and throwing flour bombs and other things at themselves. Vikings, pirates and the Navy fight each other here, not entirely in keeping with historical facts. Every now and then the audience gets a broadside. The volume of the applause determines the winner.
Web links
- The event website (English)
Individual evidence
- ↑ australia.com Discover your passion for boats - there is no need for water. ( Memento of the original from February 18, 2013 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. Retrieved March 23, 2013
- ↑ alicenow.com.au: Regatta's smooth sailing. August 21, 2012
- ^ Manfred Schmidt: Geographical curiosities. Page 152f, Grin Verlag, Munich 2008, ISBN 3-638-95530-3
- ↑ henleyontodd.com.au: History. Retrieved March 23, 2013
- ^ Australian Good Food and Travel Guide: Annual Regatta in Alice Springs. ( Memento of the original from April 24, 2013 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. Retrieved March 23, 2013
- ↑ henleyontodd.com.au: FAQ's. ( Memento of the original from April 9, 2013 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. Retrieved March 23, 2013
- ↑ henleyontodd.com.au: Events. Retrieved March 23, 2013
