The Down Under Safari Pirates, captained by four-year-old Harrison Bleakley, secured back-to-back victories at the 54th annual Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta on Mindil Beach. The event, held on 29 June 2026, featured vessels constructed from cans, plastic bottles, and milk cartons.
Event Highlights
The regatta included tug-of-war, kayaking, thong throwing, and the main boat race. The Down Under Safari Pirates faced stiff competition from the Australian army’s 1st Combat Engineer Regiment, with each team winning individual races throughout the day.
Battle of Mindil
The 1st Combat Engineer Regiment claimed victory in the ‘Battle of Mindil’, but the Down Under Safari Pirates took the overall regatta title. Captain Scotty Hannaford said, “Victory is sweeter when we beat those ‘army boys’.”
Fundraising and Community
The 52nd Beer Can Regatta serves as a major fundraiser for the Lions Club. Spectators enjoyed festivities including the slappa throwing competition (thong throw) and fierce tug-of-war contests.
Construction and Creativity
Participants used their imaginations to design floating vessels from recycled materials. The building blocks of makeshift maritime construction were on display as paddlers carried their handmade watercraft to the water’s edge.
