For those looking for something a little different, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, how about setting your chart plotter to Paynesville, on the Gippsland Lakes in February 2026.
Cruise the lakes and join in the festivities at the 2026 Paynesville Classic Boat Rally and Maritime Festival.
The organisers would love to see CYAA members in attendance.
See a spectacular fleet of classic boats on the water, ranging from Tall Ships, to sailing vessels, classic motorboats, skiffs, fishing boats, small crafts and more.
On land or on water, there are so many opportunities to see these magnificent boats up close and in action across the weekend.
On Saturday, the Grand Parade features all boats available on water as they sail past the crowds and through the McMillan Strait into the open waters of Lake Victoria. See steam boats puff past alongside honey wooded motor boats, rowed skiffs alongside majestic sailboats, and dragon boats dwarfed but beautifully partnered with a square rigged tall ship. Watch on as an unforgettable sight of 300 boats of all makes, models and propulsion cruise past.
On land, our trailable boats make a fantastic display of classic wooden, fiberglass and rowing boats. Rooftop dinghies will line the foreshore and music, entertainment and maritime stall holders will await your discovery.
Other notable activities include a Classic Dinghy Regatta, St Ayles Skiffs a Sail past, classic motor boats and the Bowie Medling Band and Return. Created especially for fishing boats all entrants line up at the starting point and when the flag is dropped they’re off… This is not a race, its a challenge of wits and will. There is a lead boat, and boats can choose to go slow or fast, but they can not adjust their speed during the event.
It’s all about the tactics, do you go slow so you are now first and fast ones are last/ or do chose speed from the start and hope you have the skills to split the pack? Water fights and friendly banter are a must, fun and laughter are also compulsory.
Even if you choose not to take your own vessel, Paynesville is just a 3 hour drive from Melbourne. Come along as a spectator and get involved.
Further details can be found on the PCBR website here.
CYAA
