The gentle lap of water against timber hulls and the smell of salt air and varnish are set to take over the Gippsland Lakes next weekend.
From February 27 to March 1, the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally and Maritime Festival will return, transforming the sleepy waterfront into a living museum of Australian maritime history.
Now just a week away, the 2026 event promises to be the largest in the festival’s history. Under the entry criteria – vessels must be older than 25 years, of historical value, or of classic design – hundreds of boats are expected to descend upon the region.
THE RETURN OF A 1930S LEGEND
The undisputed star of this year’s rally is Eighteen Twenty, a 25-foot yacht with a pedigree that reads like a history book. Built in 1934 by legendary Melbourne boat builder Charlie Peel and co-designed by Jimmy Douglas, she was a fierce competitor in the Forster Cup – the event once dubbed “Australia’s America’s Cup”.
After decades lost to the “annals of time,” Eighteen Twenty was discovered languishing in a farm shed in Hahndorf, South Australia. Following an exhaustive restoration completed in 2024 by new owners Tony Siddons and Chris Cooke, the yacht — crafted from Red Cedar and Kauri – will make a triumphant return to the water, showcasing the “rounded lines of an oak whiskey cask” that inspired her design.
A GLOBAL GATHERING
The festival isn’t just a local affair. Joining the fleet is Aegean, a classic wooden sailing vessel that recently completed an epic six-month journey across the Pacific Ocean. Owner Dave Snell steered her from Vancouver, Canada, to Australian waters, describing the yellow cedar-framed boat as “one arse-kickin’ boat” that didn’t miss a beat during its 76 days at sea.
On the rowing front, the “Steamers Run 26” will see a fleet of St Ayles skiffs navigating the lakes. This year’s crews include international rowers from the UK and interstate participants from Western Australia and Tasmania. Among them is Imagine, the first St Ayles skiff built in Australia, rowed by an all-female crew from the Living Boat Trust.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
While the historical vessels are the heart of the weekend, the 2026 festival has expanded its horizon. Running in tandem with the rally is the inaugural Gippsland Lakes Boat Show, which will showcase modern boating technology and lifestyle. Anglers will also have their day with the debut of the Bream Cup 2026, a competitive two-day fishing tournament.
For those who prefer to be on the water rather than watching from the shore, the tall ship Enterprize will offer on-board tours and sailing cruises throughout the weekend. For the more adventurous, limited places were even offered to sail the schooner all the way from Melbourne’s Docklands to Paynesville.
ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION
The festival is also looking toward the future of boat building. The “Quick ‘n’ Dirty” challenge will see teams of 10 to 14-year-olds race against the clock to build a boat and hope it floats. Meanwhile, the “Kidz Zone” will keep the youngest sailors occupied with boat decorating, face painting, and racing.
Local artisan Peter Manual has been hard at work in his workshop, hand-crafting unique timber trophies for categories ranging from “Best Dressed Vessel” to the “Spirit of Adventure.”
A COMMUNITY EFFORT
The rally is more than just a boat show; it is a massive community undertaking. Organisers are currently calling for “Friends of the Rally” to support the event and seeking local families to billet members of the Enterprize crew.
“It’s a golden opportunity to proudly showcase our Gippsland Lakes,” says the organising committee.
The festivities will culminate on Sunday, March 1, with the Grand Parade of Sail and the drawing of the major raffle, featuring a first prize of a beautifully crafted 15-foot rowing skiff valued at over $3300.
Whether you are a maritime historian, a wooden boat enthusiast, or a family looking for a weekend of fun, Paynesville is the place to be this February.
