Henley on Todd Battle Boat Spectacular goes off with a bang in Alice Springs

The Vikings are the new champions of the Henley on Todd Battle Boat Spectacular after a messy stand off involving water cannon, flour bombs and plenty of adrenaline

The infamous Henley on Todd Battle of the Boats was fought out between the Pirates, Vikings, and Navy boats, with the Vikings crowned the winners. Picture: EMMA MURRAY

The Vikings are the new champions of the Henley on Todd Battle Boat Spectacular after a messy stand off involving water cannon, flour bombs and plenty of adrenaline.

The epic display of jovial threats and firepower involves three boats, built around four wheel drive vehicles, circling the arena at the Henley on Todd Regatta, as crews pelt each other with whatever weaponry comes to hand.

Henley on Todd is one of the highlights of the Alice Springs calendar, and started in 1962 as a madcap idea to raise funds for the town’s Rotary clubs. It started as a bottomless boat race along the dry Todd river bed, but has grown to include a myriad of events, culminating in the boat battle.

Taking the title from the Navy, which won last year’s battle aboard HMAS Courage, the Vikings proudly declared they still had water to spare at the end of the 15 minute fight, which they used to wash their team down.

First time captain Brendan Fogarty said he felt great, but the whole thing had been a “blur”.

“You can’t tell what’s going on until the end,” he said.

“Between ear plugs and all the flour in your face, you’ve got no idea what’s happening, you just have to throw and hope for the best.”

Other events included sand skiing, the Tour de Todd, which can only be described as a human hamster wheel, and the budgie smugger run, which was run by Calvin McAdams from Virginia, USA, while sporting a Barack Obama mask. Asked about his technique he replied simply “a lot of beer”.

Five time Tour de Todd winner Pip Williams said there would be “no trade secrets” shared on how she had managed to win the titles in 2010, 11, 13, 16 and now 2017.

“The first time I saw it I thought that’s so cool I have to try it, then I won, and I’ve been addicted ever since,” Ms Williams said.

“It feels a lot slower than it actually is. I like to try to push ahead early, do a quick turnaround and come home strong.”

There was plenty of opportunity for children to get involved, with egg and spoon races, a lolly scramble, and rubber duckie races where a run is undertaken while holding an inflatable around the waist.

Seven-year-old Ace young from Alice Springs said it was easy to run, but tricky to hold up the duck.

“I like Henley on Todd because the people are generous and they give out lollies to the children,” he said.

Marketing manager Dale McIver said it had been “another awesome Henley on Todd” and it was great to see the event rolling on year after year, raising money for good causes.