Beer Can Regatta sets sail in Australia

There were cheers of elation and relief when the 2.5 tonne colossus Extravacanz proved her seaworthiness ahead of her racing debut. The 30,000 can double-hull catamaran made an impression when it appeared at the 2012 Beer Can Regatta at Mindil Beach, Darwin.



In front of about 50 eager onlookers, Extravacanz was launched at Dinah Beach and did what it was supposed to - it floated. Relieved skipper Mick Keely said he was never concerned about her ability to float. But Mr Keely was glad the hard work was over.

"It's like a big relief," he said. "It's like now I can sit down and have a rest after six months (of work)." Mr Keely said he hoped his impressive vessel would serve as an inspiration to those looking toward next year's Regatta, to aim higher and bring back the big boats.


YouTube link.

"I think they'll just look and be in awe of what we've created," he said. "I want them to look at it and say: 'That's what we're gonna do next year'." The monster has a built-in cooler for 1080 cans of beer.

There's a news video here.