"My strategy was to row fast," said Corporal Rob Meharg, whose team built their boat from cans collected from bins on a military base.

Military Crew Wins 52nd Annual Beer Can Regatta

Darwin's Mindil Beach played host to the 52nd annual Beer Can Regatta on Sunday, where three boats constructed primarily from beer and soft-drink cans competed in a unique race. The event, which drew crowds numbering in the thousands, also featured a tug of war, an iron man competition, and a thong throwing contest.

Highlighting Reuse Over Consumption

Organizer Coralie Brannelly, an event veteran of over 10 years, emphasized that the regatta is about reusing materials rather than beer consumption. Proceeds from the event were donated to St John NT and the Mindil Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.

The Race

The military team ultimately won the boat race early Sunday afternoon. Corporal Rob Meharg, who is on a six-month rotation in Darwin, stated that his team built their boat over a week, sourcing cans collected from bins on their military base.

Also competing was Ted Haniford, whose son designed their boat after a previous design that performed poorly, hoping for a better result this year.

Safety and Strategy

Surf lifesavers were stationed in the water throughout the event, keeping watch for crocodiles. When asked about his approach to the race, Corporal Meharg offered a straightforward strategy: "My strategy was to row fast."