About Us
History
Davistown Putt Putt Regatta
The genesis of the Regatta was the social and competitive gathering of “Putt Putts”, as they are now known, by the early builders, residents and boating enthusiasts of the district.
Regatta’s were often held at Davistown through the early and middle parts of the last century. Challenges between boat owners/builders were designed to determine who had the fastest Putt Putt or who could row the quickest.
In 1998 the event was re-introduced by a group of enthusiasts under the auspices of the Brisbane Water Marine Watch and event was focussed on the Woy Woy area for the 1st 2 years.
In 2000 the event first became centred on the Davistown Foreshore and Brisbane Water Marine Watch were joined by Kincumber Rotary who ran the on-shore aspects of the Regatta. This partnership continued until the 10th Anniversary in 2007 where almost 100 boats took part.
In 2008 a group of local Putt Putt owners took over the running of the event. This group were known as the Black Hands and they ran the event until handing over to the Lions Club Green Avoca in 2012 who then ran the event until 2018.
The Lions Club then handed the event over to the current committee who have managed the event/s since.
After the heart-breaking decision to cancel the event in 2018 due to the foreshore becoming unusable, the 2019 (and 20th anniversary) event was an outstanding success and attracted in excess of 60 boats and approximately 15,000 spectators.
The 2019 “Davistown Weekend” also saw the introduction of the inaugural Kids with Cancer Heritage Ferry Challenge in which a number of boats from the Sydney Heritage fleet and other privately owned vessels challenged each other over a course from Woy Woy to Gosford. They were joined by a fleet of Putt Putts who cheered them on.
Along with many other Festivals and Events, the Committee had no choice but to cancel the 2020 and 2021 Regatta events. This was a very disappointing decision but necessary due to the effects of COVID-19.
2023 saw the running of an extremely successful event where it is estimated that a crowd of up to 17,000 enjoyed a great day out.
In 2024 we managed to run the Regatta between 2 weather fronts and it is estimated that 15,000 enjoyed the festivities.
Meet The Committee
Neil & Doreen
Since moving to Davistown in 2011, Neil and Doreen have embraced the Putt Putt ethos and have entered boats in each years Regatta since. After becoming involved with the Lions Club, providing administrative and operational support to the Regatta since 2016, Neil has taken on the role of Chairman/Treasurer of the committee while Doreen has been the driving force behind the Putt Putt Charity Dinner and is the Committee Secretary.
David & Leone Roach
David, Leone and family have been residents of the area for over 25 years. Since purchasing his first Putt Putt (Scallywag) in 2017, David & Leone have become avid Putt Putt enthusiasts. Scallywag is arguably the most used Putt Putt on Brisbane Water. Leone has become an integral member of the committee and provides further support to the Charity Dinner.
David & Cheryl Hall
Cheryl & David Hall have been Davistown residents for over 32 years. While not Putt Putt owners, Cheryl and Dave are keen supporters of the event and are passionate about the area. Cheryl readily took on a role on the new committee and is working with Doreen and Leone to ensure that the 2024 Charity Dinner is a success. David has also taken on the role of Vice President.
Brett & Liz
Brett is a long time “boatie” and has been the driving force behind the inclusion of the Heritage vessels and the management of the Heritage Challenge. Liz performs the role of Public Officer for the Regatta and given that she is married to Brett, she has little option but to love all things boating.
