Henley on Todd

The iconic ASSA ABLOY Henley-On-Todd Regatta is the only boat race in the world that is cancelled if there is water.

Locals are looking forward to the 49th Henley-On-Todd Regatta to be held on the 21st August as a chance to let their hair down and become Pirates and Vikings or a boy/girl in the Navy.

In custom-designed bottomless boats, contestants, run, scramble and stumble their way through river sand, in a variety of traditionally inspired but novel events.  

Who says you need water for a boat race anyway?  Back in 1962, some workmates at the Alice Springs Bureau of Meteorology saw an opportunity in the lack of rain and a proposed boat race based on the famous Henley-On-Thames in England.

Rotarian Reg Smith devised the event at a time when the newly formed Rotary Club was scratching its head for a different project to raise funds for charity.

When asked by a mate whether the boats would be towed or pushed through the river sand, Reg replied “neither – we cut the bottoms out and carry them!”