Boating 'double act' to attract huge fleet to Gippsland

The annual Paynesville Classic Boat Rally from March 3-4 will lead into the famous C.H Robinson 50th Marlay Point Overnight Race on the following Labour Day weekend on the Gippsland Lakes in 2018.

Together, the two iconic sailing events are expected to attract hundreds of boats to the stunning Gippsland waterways, with a flotilla of classic boats and high-performing race yachts creating a spectacular two weeks of on-water entertainment.

Organisers of both events are arranging a schedule of events. Many boaties who have had the Gippsland Lakes on their bucket list are sure to take advantage of these two great events to make the trip to the southeastern corner of Victoria in 2018.

THE CLASSIC BOAT RALLY
The Classic Boat Rally is a celebration of the rich and vibrant marine history found on the Gippsland Lakes.

All boats over 30-years-old are eligible to enter. With more than 200 boats expected to take part, the Rally stage along McMillan Strait, with the beautiful Raymond Island as the backdrop, will come to life.

There will also be a maritime dance and a classic parade of sail. Shore-based activities on offer include a trade expo, static boat displays, entertainment and workshops throughout the weekend.

MARLAY POINT OVERNIGHT RACE
With beginnings harking back to 1969, the C.H Robinson Marlay Point Overnight Race celebrates its 50th race the following weekend starting March 10 .

Considered Australia’s best-known trailerable yacht race, Marlay Point attracts yachts from far and wide. But this year there’s something new!

To make the most of the events running back-to-back, and to encourage boats to stick around, organisers of the Marlay Point are working towards including a Classic Division.

The race starts on Lake Wellington at sunset, and boats race through the night to finish in Paynesville the next day. Entry numbers are expected in the hundreds and competing yachts encounter varying conditions, as they race through broad lakes and narrow straits, all under the cover of darkness, adding its own extra challenges and excitement.

LAKE WELLINGTON YACHT CLUB
Commodore of the Lake Wellington Yacht Club, Michael Clark, who completed his first Marlay Point overnighter 45 years ago and has competed in many since, is looking forward to welcoming sailors to the event in March, 2018.

Over the years, some 11,000 boats and over 40,000 sailors have participated in this yacht race. Clark said he expects a big return fleet for the 50th celebration as well as the many newbies ticking the race off their bucket list.

For those who are making the trip, Clark recommends sticking around to explore the Lakes.

"The Lakes are the perfect cruising and racing ground, and the two events, combined with Easter just weeks after, will make the journey all the more worthwhile."

As for the racing, Michael says it never disappoints and every one of his races has provided a different experience.

"The start line is a visual spectacular, as hundreds of boats motor out, red and green and white lights going every which way… the smooth ripples on the water. Sometimes it seems like molten gold, and that in itself is worth experiencing."

Raymond Island is once again the backdrop at the finish line. Spectators are invited to watch from the shore as the boats trickle in just after daylight. The Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club is organising a huge celebration afterwards for family, friends, locals and tourists to enjoy.

For more information about both events, follow the Lake Wellington Yacht Club's Marlay Point Overnight Race page

and the

Paynesville Classic Boat Rally page on Facebook.