Ned Thomas, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

The biennial Yorke Peninsula Saltwater Classic returned to Stansbury and Port Vincent across the weekend, April 17 to 19, delivering a high-energy celebration of boating in all its forms — sail, steam, electric and human-powered.

Classic cars and coastal culture also helped lure the crowds who rolled in from across South Australia and interstate.

Against the uncertainty of algal bloom and rising fuel costs, people still came. Boats still launched. The peninsula turned it on.

Saltwater Classic vice-chair Donald Triggs said the result exceeded expectations.

“We knew what we were fighting with the fuel crisis, algal bloom and the unknown,” Mr Triggs said.

“But we had a great crowd, a great day, the weather was perfect, and like-minded people came together to sit in the sun and talk about their cars and their boats.”

Visitors travelled from as far as Tasmania to be part of the weekend, with strong backing from the SA Tourism Commission playing a key role behind the scenes.

“They don’t just sponsor us financially, they help with logistics and provide guidance workshops,” Mr Triggs said. Across both towns, the atmosphere built quickly and held.

“The Navy Band playing rhythm and blues in the street was a really good crowd pleaser.

“It brings the community together — not just the boaties and the car people — the whole community gets out and mixes in a friendly way.”

On the water, conditions couldn’t have been better.

“Glassy seas, we were very lucky to get a perfect weekend,” Mr Triggs said.

Among the highlights was the introduction of a fully electric vessel, the first of its kind at the event.

He said it reflected the evolving nature of boating and the ingenuity of enthusiasts. At its core, the Saltwater Classic remains anchored in the region’s identity.

“We aim to celebrate the maritime history of Yorke Peninsula, and what a history it is,” Mr Triggs said.

“The small ships that crisscrossed these waters were the lifeblood of the community, bringing supplies and exporting lime, salt, wheat, barley and copper.”

With interest already building beyond SA, the future is only getting bigger.

“I’ve already been contacted by Victorian boating associations about their participation in 2028,” Mr Triggs said.

See all the pictures from the event in the issue.
This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 21 April 2026.