Putt Putt Regatta & Wooden Boat Festival postponed …
Regrettably the Organising Committee has been left with no choice but to postpone the Putt Putt Regatta event scheduled for Sunday 30th October. The condition of the Illoura Reserve is such that the installation of any infrastructure and foot traffic use of the area impossible. We are currently planning to run the Regatta on Sunday 26th March 2023 when hopefully we will have seen the last of La Nina, the Indian Ocean Dipole, East Coast Lows and anything else that causes copious rain.
Its important to note that the other two 2022 events namely,
Putt Putt Charity Dinner – Friday 28th October (tickets available at the Davistown RSL until 21st October)
Heritage Ferry Challenge & Putt About – Saturday 29th October
will still be going ahead. Both of these events raise important funds for the Kids with Cancer Foundation and we hope that they will be well attended.
But for this strange COVID-19 affected year, yesterday would have been the day of the Davistown Putt Putt Regatta & Wooden Boat Festival which we unfortunately had to cancel earlier in the year. Rather than let the day pass by completed unmarked, a number of enthusiasts elected to gather at Davistown in a variety of Putt Putts (old and new) and cruise to Waterfall Bay and back. The weather was reasonably kind to us and a number gathered back at the Davistown Waterfront for a drink or two and to exchange stories. There were about 15 boats involved and a good day was had by all.
Why not eliminate any parking worries and ride the Ferry. Central Coast Ferries has been a long time supporter of the Regatta and this year is no
different. The MV Sorrento will be providing services throughout the day.
Catch the Train or Bus to Woy Woy, a short walk to Woy Woy Public Wharf where you can board the ferry “MV Sorrento” for the short scenic trip to the Davistown Putt Putt Regatta & Wooden Boat Festival.
No need to drive, no fuss, no parking .. Just jump aboard the ferry.
I recently had the pleasure of cruising (putting) the pristine waters around Foster and Tuncurry in some beautifully built Putt Putt’s. The workmanship on the boats and the pride shown by their owners is to be seen to be believed. The boats were from as far afield as Brisbane, Lismore, Lake Macquarie and Davistown and most of them will be making an appearance at the Regatta in October. So if you haven’t already done so, save the date of Sunday 20 October to come and see some of these magnificent craft.
To help us celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Regatta we will be joined this year by a number of boats from the Sydney Heritage Fleet. Joining our own Codock II will be the Protex, a doyen of the fleet, along with the Banksia, the Girrakool and the Macleay. It is intended that these boats will be available for cruises (details to follow later) around Brisbane Water during and after the Regatta. All of the Heritage Fleet will perform a “sail past” on the morning of the Regatta and the Protex will lead the fleet for the Grand Parade. The Protex has a long and varied history including time spent on the Central Coast.
Originally named Waikara, a New Zealand Maori name for ‘smooth water’, she was purchased in 1934 by the Sydney ferry and tug company, Nicholson Bros. In line with their usual policy of naming their craft using words beginning with ‘Pro’ she was called Protex after a popular brand of soap. No wonder she was often called the ‘soap boat’. It was fitting that her duties included ferrying goods and people from the Palmolive factory at Balmain to various city wharves.
Protex nearly ended her life in 1952 when she collided off Balmain East with her sister ferry, Provide. She suffered serious damage and sank. But it was decided to salvage her and extensive repairs were necessary before she could return to service. The repaired Protex continued her service on the harbour and in 1968 passed into the ownership of Stannard Bros., another ferry and tug company, when they took over Nicholson Bros.
In 1970, at the age of 60-plus, Protex took on a new life when she was leased to Mr Terry Hodgson who used her as a ferry operating out of Woy Woy and Toukley, and later between Brooklyn and Dangar Island on the Hawkesbury River.
Protex joined the Sydney Heritage Fleet in 1981, presented by Mr Chris Stannard of Stannard Bros. She has been faithfully restored, is still in regular use with the Fleet and can carry up to 20 people
Looking back through photos of previous Regattas I am reminded that this is not just about the iconic Putt Putt’s but it is also a celebration of wooden boats of all types. Previously we have been joined on the day by a number of different wooden boats – both on the shore and on the water. The Committee wants to encourage owners of all sorts of wooden boats to join with the Putt Putts and other heritage boats to make this 20th Anniversary event a day to remember. Enter the “Wooden Boat – non-Putt Putt” judging category, pickup a Skipper’s Pack and go in the draw for a $150 Gift Voucher. Application Forms are available by sending an email to puttputt.regatta@gmail.com or by using the Contact Us facility on this website.
Please come and join us for a great day and help us maintain this great community event.
A long popular judging category at the Regatta is the “Best Novelty Boat & Crew” category. Sadly there has been a reducing number of entries in this crowd popular category over recent years. The Committee would like to encourage boaties to dress up their boats and crews and provide some light, colour and competition on the day. Some previous entries have been a Mississippi River Boat, a Viking Long Boat, the Batmobile, a Gondola and a number of Pirate Ships. Join in the fun for the day
The Putt Putt Regatta is always happy to assist our wooden boat and putt putt owners to occasionally sell boats or engine parts. In this case there are a series of miscellaneous Blaxland parts available from John Speers. If anyone is interested, John can be contacted on 0488 094 122. Pictures are below.
The Regatta Committee is pleased to announce the creation of an all new online shop for Regatta merchandise. All of our current and historic merchandise including polo shirts, T-Shirts (Adults and Kids), Stubby Coolers, Dry Bags and others are available for online purchase for as long as stocks last. Purchase of goods will help to […]
But for this strange COVID-19 affected year, yesterday would have been the day of the Davistown Putt Putt Regatta & Wooden Boat Festival which we unfortunately had to cancel earlier in the year. Rather than let the day pass by completed unmarked, a number of enthusiasts elected to gather at Davistown in a variety of […]
Why not eliminate any parking worries and ride the Ferry. Central Coast Ferries has been a long time supporter of the Regatta and this year is no different. The MV Sorrento will be providing services throughout the day. Catch the Train or Bus to Woy Woy, a short walk to Woy Woy Public Wharf where […]
I recently had the pleasure of cruising (putting) the pristine waters around Foster and Tuncurry in some beautifully built Putt Putt’s. The workmanship on the boats and the pride shown by their owners is to be seen to be believed. The boats were from as far afield as Brisbane, Lismore, Lake Macquarie and Davistown and […]
