An exciting program on water-based and foreshore activities is being prepared for the tenth celebration of Yorke Peninsula’s Saltwater Classic in Stansbury and Port Vincent from 1 to 3 May 2020.Since the inaugural Saltwater Classic in 2003 and the successful follow-up in 2004, the biennial event has become a major tourism feature on Yorke Peninsula and a favourite among enthusiasts of wooden and fibreglass boats designed on traditional lines.
Next year’s event has been given a major boost with the State Government providing $10,000 funding support for marketing through the 2019-20 Regional Events and Festivals Program.
This announcement by the Tourism Minister, David Ridgway, continues the principal sponsorship of Yorke Peninsula’s Saltwater Classic by the State Government, through the South Australian Tourism Commission.
“We want to encourage more South Australians and interstate and international visitors to get out an about to experience the very best that SA has to offer spending time and money in our regions and growing our tourism sector,” Mr Ridgway said.
“Events and festivals are a wonderful way to enhance the tourism offering of a particular region and to ensure positive economic benefits for local restaurants, motels, cafes and small retailers.”
Yorke Peninsula’s Saltwater Classic in 2018 attracted more than 5,000 visitors and a fleet of over 50 wooden and classic boats and crews from across South Australia and interstate to enjoy the festival atmosphere in the sister towns of Stansbury and Port Vincent.
An official reception for participants on Friday 1 May 2020 will be followed by a spectacular program of boating and foreshore activities in Stansbury on the following day, and in Port Vincent on the Sunday.
Saltwater Classic Chairman, Colin Germein, said the organisers were very grateful for the support of next year’s event through the Regional Events and Festivals Program.
“This will help us to maximise our promotional efforts to attract families to the region to experience the beauty of wooden and classic craft that have been faithfully restored to keep afloat some of the great traditions of boat building,” he said.
“The program in Stansbury and Port Vincent will include seaside markets, regional food and wine experiences, entertainment, arts and craft together showcasing the wonderful features of our region.
“Next year’s Saltwater Classic will be the tenth presentation of the event and we aim to make it the biggest and best yet for people to enjoy Stansbury and Port Vincent and to encourage them to explore wider areas of beautiful Yorke Peninsula.
“Our last event in 2018 won South Australian and Yorke Peninsula tourism awards and the on-going success of the Saltwater Classic would not be possible without an enormous volunteer effort, the support of our sponsors and the welcoming qualities of local communities.
“It is an opportunity to celebrate our maritime heritage through the eager commitment of many people who spend countless hours to restore old vessels to their former glory to recreate the days when families and towns were dependent on local links between land and sea.
“Just as importantly, the foreshore activities in Stansbury and Port Vincent provide enjoyment and memorable experiences for people of all ages.”
Deb Clarke, Yorke Peninsula Tourism Manager said: “The Saltwater Classic is a well known event for Yorke Peninsula and has a great reputation. It is wonderful to hear that the State Government through SA Tourism Commission has again supported the event.
“It draws people from all over Yorke Peninsula and SA and it is absolutely essential that we keep offering fun and successful events and activities, not only for locals but also to attract new visitors.
“When new visitors come and get to know our beautiful region, the longer they stay and more times they return, the better it is for local businesses.”
