Boat race on track

MEMBERS of the Warneet Yacht Club enjoyed the rare opportunity to take part in the Lake Eyre Regatta recently.
On hearing the lake had flooded with water, five members of the club decided to set off on the 1000km journey to Maree, south of Lake Eyre.
Brian Shaw took part in the regatta and said normally there was no water in the lake.
The men took the opportunity to see a camel race at Maree, before they joined a line of cars and boats from sailing clubs around Australia and headed up to the Birdsville Track. Members of the club say they are part of only about 20 yachts in the world to have sailed up the Birdsville Track, rather than driving.
Ian Burger said though Warneet Yacht Club didn’t have the fastest boat in the regatta, it was just enough “being there”.
“It’s enough sailing on a lake which hadn’t had water for 20 years,” Mr Burger said.
Heather Shaw said it was difficult to stay between the road markers.
“We got swept off into the river and trees several times. It was quite an adventure,” she said.
After four hours, the 20 boats arrived safely at the camp site, and the commodore from the Lake Eyre Yacht Club exchanged gifts with Mr Burger.
Members said they had a fantastic time and encouraged anyone who was interested in sailing to visit the club.