Lions’ Darwin Beer Can Regatta pictures

Thousands turned out to celebrate everything quintessentially Territorian at the annual Beer Can Regatta on Mindil Beach. See all the pictures.

A bevy of competitors and spectators took to the golden sands of Mindil Beach on Sunday for one of the Territory’s most iconic events.

The 49th annual Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta saw expert and hopeful mariners alike battle it out in a string of boat races, while there was plenty of action on-shore with tug-of-war and thong throw competitions.

Ben Greenwood, captain of the Techno Vikings boat, said “a lot of blood, sweat and beers” went into preparing his team’s vessel for the big day.

Ben Greenwood captain of Techno Vikings at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“It’s our second year back here - we came third or fourth last year,” he said.

“Our biggest goal is always trying to beat the Marines.

“It’s a battle - we know a few little secrets from what happened last year that they don’t, so we’ve got a good chance.”

Rivals USS Dump Truck also chose Great Northerns as their tinny of choice to keep afloat in the Battle of Mindil.

Jon Gray captain of USS Dumptruck at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Captain Jon Gray said it took more than 700 cans - allegedly 48 hours’ of drinking time among about 12 people - to construct the vessel.

“We’ve been having a lot of fun drinking that since we’ve been here - our boat is modeled after our helicopter, the MV-22 Osprey,” he said.

“We live in the States but we just love to come out ... learn about Australian culture, what do you guys do for fun out here and just embrace it.”

Chrissy Jackholme, Croc OÕdile, Leslee Flett, Robert Cuddy, Leon Gray, Taj Gray and Kerry Gray from Queensland at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

This year marked the seventh Beer Can Regatta for Nightcliff resident Kerry Gray, who said the event was the best on the Territory calendar.

“Maybe Cracker Day is a close second,” she said.

“The beer can boats, the Battle of Mindil, the free Paul’s iced coffee, the Mindil Markets that stay open a little longer than usual ... good on ya Darwin.”

Leslee Flett, who was visiting the Top End from Agnes Water in Queensland, said she loved experiencing the “camaraderie, the fun and everybody having a fabulous time.”
“That to me is what it’s all about, living life to the fullest,” she said.

Scroll down to see all the pictures.

Victor Carmeli from Techno Vikings at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

O’Brien Tug of war team ready to face Techno Vikings at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

James Whittard and Emily Whittard at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Chris Geddes, Wendy Geddes, Monika Thompson and Mark Thompson at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Aaron Starkie from Techno Vikings at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Leigh Barrett and Mel Mel at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Keavy mcelwee and Quill Mcelwee at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Aaris Giri, Aarvi Yogi, Bhairav Yogi, Avani Bhattarai at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Baden Dixon from Techno Vikings at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Tameka Gogerly, Nadine Tinsley, Amy Tinsley and Jeff Tinsley at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Jules Omara and monty Spirit at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Dr Jon Avotins in Men’s Slappa’s Thong Throw at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Techno Vikings at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta race at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Steve Lower in Men’s Slappa’s Thong Throw at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

USS Dumbstruck at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta race at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Serie Dylan, Pietro Cascavilla, James Hockey and Trenett Ha at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Judah Begab in Men’s Slappa’s Thong Throw at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Penelope Murdie and Raven Rayfield at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Adam and his Ozzy as crew at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Matthew Marsh, Indie Marsh and Lincoln Marsh Marge Marsh, Rachel Marsh and Adam Marsh at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Will Gray, Ranty Labasi, Taylor Williams, Sonia Williams and Nick Williams at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Jimmy Redfin, Chivonne Pye, Gracie Warren, Braden Roberston and Ellyce Hinchcliffe at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Titan 2 at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta race at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Jemma Martin, Bernie Martin, Sophie Martin, Tom Martin and Ben Martin from Gunnedah NSW at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Jack Rokahr, Mel Rokahr and Murray Rokahr at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Sarah Makin, Willo Makin and Reece Mcgrath at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Chris Rothwell in Men’s Slappa’s Thong Throw at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Techno Vikings tug of war winner at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The O’Brien team fighting to win their tug of war at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Taylor feather, John feather, Allira Reid and Archie feather (dog) at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mick Hyland at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Leon Gray at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Lexie Priniski, Lincoln Goldspink and Jake Fauser at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Techno Vikings team fighting to win there tug of war at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Techno vikings #Dagman at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Annabel Mangan, Jordan Enfantie and Charlie Mangan at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Jacob Hart, Jessica Dowling, Brad Brown, Jack Murray and Geoff King with their boat Titan 2 from Darwin at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Steve Pinnell, Emily Bostock and Michael Bostock at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ayla Carne, Shana Casimiro,Viki Miller and Niesha Casimiro at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Sarah Oliver from Techno Vikings at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Sue Hewlett, Daniel Fuller, Anthony Thuraiveerasingam, Reagan Ampeloquio (Paul Icecoffee Boat), kids from left James Huffman, Jaxon Lee, Gabby Lee and Leila Huffan at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin