Racing at the Regatta.
All types of events are held.
Most of the mad-cap events are held between May and October, but through the other months there is always something on somewhere. Here is a precis of what you can see.
THE HENLEY-ON-TODD REGATTA
The first Henley on Todd was held in 1961, designed as a Rotary Club fundraiser for community projects. From its hilarious, if humble beginnings, it has grown into a major national attraction and crowds of around 20,000 are not uncommon.
Spectators line the west bank of the Todd River, just north of the foot-bridge, to watch contestants compete in the sandy riverbed arena. While the name suggests an aquatic carnival, water in the riverbed would spell disaster for the organisers. In fact, they are insured against the Todd flowing and disrupting the carnival. So far this has not happened, although several times it has appeared likely.
The key-note of the Regatta is hilarity, and this is achieved by the nature of the events. Among the most popular is the ' Surf-Ski Rescue', in which rail tracks are laid along the river-bed and the'damsels-in-distress'; take their positions at the opposite end of the rails from their 'rescuers'. When the starters gun goes off the lifesavers have to paddle their flat-top, surf skis along the rails, rescue the damsel, and be hauled back to the start on their safety line by the ' beach-based' assistants. The rails are also used in the ' Oxford Tubs', an event in which pairs sit in a half 44 gallon drum and paddle it along with small shovels.
The 'eights', 'yachts', Head of River, Bring your own Vessel, Hens Head of the River, Ladies Cutter, High School Chick of the Todd and the coveted Admiral's Cup are all team events run in boats with or without sails, but having no bottom or top. Contestants stand inside their vessels holding them waist high and, at the sound of the starters gun, race along the course-hopefully without tripping over each other or collapsing from laughter or exhaustion. Great encouragement from the spectators urges the teams through the heavy sand and there is rarely a race where at least one team doesn't collapse into the sand in a jumble of arms and legs.
Other events on the fast-moving day include the Henley Bathing Beauty contest, the Iron Sandman, the Greasy-mast, and sand-shovelling.
The grand finale to a mad-cap day is a Naval battle. Vessels armed with water-cannons, flour bombs and 'blood thirsty' pirates engage in 'mortal combat'.
The Henley on Todd Regatta is a day you should not miss if your holiday in the centre coincides with the date.