The Down Under Safari Pirates claimed back-to-back victories at the 54th annual Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta, held at Mindil Beach in the Northern Territory's capital on June 29, 2026. The event, established in 1974, challenges participants to design and construct floating vessels using cans, plastic bottles, or milk cartons.
Regatta highlights
The festival attracted crowds who enjoyed events including tug-of-war, kayaking, and thong throwing, in addition to the main beer can boat race. Captain Harrison Bleakley, aged four, steered the Down Under Safari Pirates to victory in the 2026 regatta, according to a report by (A)manda Parkinson for The Guardian.
The 52nd Beer Can Regatta serves as a major fundraiser for the Lions Club, drawing competitors and spectators from across the region.
Battle of Mindil
Competitors from the Australian army's 1st Combat Engineer Regiment made adjustments to their vessel ahead of the Battle of Mindil, a series of races between the regiment and the Down Under Safari Pirates. The showdown between the two teams dominated the day, with each taking out individual races. Ultimately, the Battle of Mindil went to the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment.
Paddlers carried their handmade watercraft to the water's edge in preparation for launch, and the regatta kicked off with four boats battling it out. Spectators enjoyed drinks while watching the races.
Victory and celebrations
Down Under Safari Pirates captain Scotty Hannaford said victory is sweeter when his team beats those ‘army boys’ after winning the 2026 Beer Can Regatta. The regatta also featured a slappa throwing competition, more widely known as the thong throw, along with fierce tug-of-war competitions at Mindil Beach.
The building blocks of makeshift maritime construction were on display, and the regatta offered moments of relaxation amid the competition. The Down Under Safari Pirates claimed back-to-back victories, cementing their place in regatta history.
