First run in 1974 as an event to clean up beer cans littering Darwin’s streets, the race that involves boats made of drink cans has become an iconic event for the city.
The regatta attracts more than 15,000 people to Mindil Beach every year.
It has also sparked a small but passionate number of enthusiasts with in-depth knowledge in the craft of making boats out of cans.
Darwin resident Mick Keeley has been making the unique watercraft since the 1980s.
“A few of us decided to build a boat, so we collected cans and sat around on Sunday afternoons and taped them together,” Mr Keeley said.
“We built a boat, went down to the regatta and had a fantastic time, so we did it for a few years after that.
“Then you have kids so there’s no time for doing it then, and now they’re big enough I’m back doing it again.”
Designing and building beer can boats has evolved into more than a passing hobby for Mr Keeley. Read More
