Darwin Beer Can Regatta

Jul 06, 2014, Darwin, Australia. The first Beer Can Regatta was held on the 16th June 1974, and was a "festival" developed by Lutz Frankenfeld and Paul Rice-Chapman. Each year contestants handcraft boats out of recycled beer cans and take to the seas. For boats that do not float, there is another chance, to see how fast the team can carry a Henley boat in a straight line in a race down the beach.

Entrance is by a gold coin donation and proceeds go to projects of the combined Lions Clubs of Darwin. There are many festivities along with eating and drinking booths set up.

Rules for the beer can boats - The Ten Can-Mandments
1. Thou shalt enter the event in the right spirit.
2. Thou shalt build the craft of cans.
3. The craft shall float by cans alone.
4. Thou shalt not drown.
5. Thou shalt not take the name of the craft in vain. Any craft bearing signs or lettering that may be offensive will be barred.
6. Thou shalt not drift from the straight and narrow and end up at Mandorah.
7. Thou shalt not protest too much.
8. Thou shall honor thy Committee.
9. Thou shalt not commit adultery – nothing really to do with the Regatta, but it gives us an air of responsibility and respect.
10. Thou shalt go back and read the first can-mandment again.

The Aussies sure know how to have a good time.