2018 Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta proves as popular as ever

THE 2018 Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta was as popular as ever on Sunday, with hundreds swarming on Mindil Beach.

Among those taking to the high seas was Josh Baker and the rest of the crew of The Dolly Carton – “because she’s got big cans”.

Mr Baker said he and the team contributed about 1500 cans to the vessel, which took about six days to complete.

“We had about 1000 at the start of the week and we generated another 500 in this last week or so I reckon,” he said.

“Can-struction finished at about midnight last night.”

Mr Baker said while there was some room for improvement in Dolly’s performance, the group would be back for another crack next year.

“I don’t think we won the race but we definitely won the day in my opinion,” he said.

“Bloody oath we’ll be back next year, 100 per cent.”

Event beachmaster Jeff Dunn said while organisers were battling the tide at the start of the day, crowds had been as good as ever.

“Early on in the day it was fairly patchy but from lunchtime onwards it’s been really good,” he said.

Mr Dunn said despite the beer-related theme, the event’s family atmosphere was what kept the punters coming.

“The kids really revel in it … they’ve pinched my canoes at the moment and they’re loving that,” he said.