ONCE again, local bareboat company Whitsunday Escape is sponsoring the Recyclable Regatta at this year’s Great Barrier Reef Festival.
The Recyclable Regatta is one of the festival’s favourite events, attracting teams from schools and other groups, and with an added division for 2024.
“We are looking forward to some additional groups getting involved and joining in the fun – making some crazy rafts out of recyclable materials and battling it out with the pirates on the high seas!” a spokesperson said.
“Come one, come all – schools, community groups, tourism operators or just a bunch of friends – there’s great fun to be had for all ages!”
Recyclable Regatta Rules
There will be an increase in 2024 to four divisions, with some competition expected between some of the local tourism businesses. The same raft can be used in more than one division:
- Children Aged 6 – 12
- Children Aged 13 – 17
- Adults 18+
- Local businesses
Great prizes available for each category.
Raft Rules
- Maximum crew of three
- Any type of oar/paddle can be used
- The maximum size of the raft must be 3m x 3m
- Raft to be made from recyclable materials (see list below)
- Name of raft MUST be a minimum of 12 inches to be visible
- Life Jackets are a must.
Raft Course – Airlie Beach Foreshore – August 4, 2024
Starting from the Airlie Beach foreshore beach at 9.30am, the race will proceed around the markers and back to the beach, all crew will then race up the beach to the finish line. The race is complete when all crew members of the raft cross the line.
Raft Materials
Rafts can be made from recycled materials, bottles, plastic pipes and other materials that would otherwise be dumped or recycled.
Previous years have seen some great entries and 2024 is shaping up to be a great competition!
Specifically ALLOWED materials:
- Milk, juice, water, soft drink bottles
- Plastic drums
- Bamboo poles
Specifically NOT allowed:
- Insulation foam, ‘Coolite’
- Parts of boats/canoes/kayaks
- Whole boats/canoes/kayaks or emergency flotation
- Anything that might wash-off, water-based paints
- Anything that might ‘leach’ contaminants into the ocean
A Consent Form is required to be completed to participate in this event.
Further information/advice on choice of materials please contact marketing@whitsundayescape.com.
