There’s something to float everyone’s boat at Yorke Peninsula’s Saltwater Classic
The seaside towns of Stansbury and Port Vincent are gearing up for the 2024 edition of Yorke Peninsula’s Saltwater Classic, with a spectacular display of wooden and classic boats from the past.
Returning to the regional tourism calendar for the first time since Covid disruptions, the two-day event will be held on April 13 and 14, featuring a fascinating fleet of traditional wooden and classic vessels celebrating boat building skills of a bygone era.
South Australia’s flagship One & All, based on the original rig of a 19th century brigantine, will headline the event alongside the Sydney to Hobart winning maxi yacht Brindabella, with smaller craft parading under sail, steam and putt putt propulsion in the waters off Stansbury and Port Vincent.
Where to watch the fleet
The boats will be on display along the foreshore in Stansbury on Saturday morning, allowing people to engage with the owners and restorers before launching for a parade in Oyster Bay then the 12 nautical mile run to Port Vincent accompanied by The Lady and The Legend – The One & All and Brindabella.
People attending the event can watch the fleet from elevated viewing areas on shore, and on Sunday morning the boats will be on display in the Port Vincent Marina before a Blessing of the Fleet and parade close to the town wharf.
There’s plenty more on shore
Celebrations will extend to shore-based activities with the award-winning Stansbury Seaside Market, displays of vintage cars and caravans, stationary engines from the past, blacksmithing skills, local arts, craft and regional produce.
In the Port Vincent Institute on Sunday there will be a magnificent Marine Art Exhibition, including works from local artists, story banners from the Australian Maritime Museum in Sydney, and historic footage of the original ketch fleet that carried grain and other agricultural produce from small ports around South Australia.
Saltwater Classic Chairman, Doug Le Feuvre, guaranteed there would be dancing in the streets of Stansbury and Port Vincent, with the famous Royal Australian Navy Band providing entertainment in both seaside towns.
“Since its inception in 2003, the Saltwater Classic has become a major tourism attraction in the region drawing visitors from across the State and beyond to celebrate our maritime heritage,” he said.
“We’ll present double-ended St Ayles skiffs, four-oared rowing boats that are taking the world by storm, hydroplane and model boat displays and interactive exhibitions of wooden boat construction.”
Showcasing YP and South Aussie regions
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said events like Yorke Peninsula’s Salt Water Classic play an essential role in the State’s visitor economy, showcasing regions and building pride and social connections while sharing South Australian stories.
“Congratulations to the passionate volunteers who help make the Yorke Peninsula Saltwater Classic a wonderful regional event,” she said.
Yorke Peninsula’s Salt Water Classic
When: – April 13 & 14
Where: – Stansbury & Port Vincent
For more details:- Click here
