The Riverland Dinghy Derby is the pinnacle of dinghy racing in the world! It is a unique flat water race, established in 1981 and utilizes open river sections and the network of creeks on the Mighty River Murray
About the race – the race is over 100km and held at Renmark in South Australia. Teams race for the glory of becoming one of the selected few to win this prestigious race on the first Sunday in February each year. The Derby caps off a huge weekend of racing with the Dash ‘4’ Cash held at the Renmark water front, under lights on the Friday night. Competitors commence the daily early with Pre Race Scrutineering 6am – 8:30am
Drivers Briefing 9am, Race 1 Starts at 10am and Race 2 Starts at 12pm. Post race Scrutineering after the race followed by the Trophy Presentations at 5.30pm – 6pm at the Renmark Club. After the race the committee requires a period of time to finalise race positions, disputes and any possible scrutineering issues. It is also important to allow spectators who have been upriver sufficient time to return to the club along with Duty Boat personnel and other volunteers who have worked tirelessly to run the event.
Grid starts – will be in the following format.
Race 1 consists of classes 30hp standard, 25hp, 300cc and 15hp, which are gridded at one minute intervals and two minutes between each class.
Race 2 consists of classes 30hp Sports, 30hp Rookies, 30hp Super Standards.
Closed Water Notification – Closed waters will be in place from 8.30am to Approx 3 30pm
During this period no boat movement is permitted. Boat ramps will be closed at 8.50 am
RDC suggest that you make your way up river and settle down for the day allowing sufficient time to be in place, taking into account the closed water period and please observe the closed water restrictions when leaving your positions. Sufficient time has been allowed between the race and the presentation at the club for everyone to be back in time.
Access to the viewing areas – Some key points to remember
Safety first, this is a powerboat race, please ensure safe seating distance from the water
NO Swimming is permitted in the closed water sections of the course during the specified closed water times
If using waterways to get to a viewing position, it is vital to get there in place before closed water times and to be aware of increased traffic on the water.
Please ensure no spectator boats are obstructing race course. It is required that boats are parked in the main river and walking to a suitable viewing position. Riverland Dinghy Club Sweep boat has the authority to request spectators to move boats as needed.
All Duty Boats have jurisdiction and spectators are obligated to follow any instructions given by RDC duty boats and officials. Offenders will be reported to Marine and Harbours Please respect the right of racers, and allow all competitors to finish the race before moving off.
So what do the different creeks have to offer?
Kylie Creek/Carnage Corner: Boat access only distance to walk from the river 50m – 400m
Nelbuck Creek: Boat access only distance to walk from river 50m plus.
Ral Ral Creek: Accessable via road (Between Goolwa St and Darling St)
Bulyong Creek: Boat access only 5.2 k m long.
Medical assistance – Event Medical Plus will be in attendance throughout the duration of the event.
Riverland Dinghy Club Merchandise – It is fantastic to have partnered with Ryde Clothing to retail our Club Merchandise. Visit them in store on Murray Avenue or grab a bargain at the event. www.rydeclothing.co
Please note date information:
The Derby race is scheduled as Round 2 of the Riverland Dinghy Club’s 6 Round STACER Championship Series. Pandemic restrictions may require Round Events to be rescheduled so please check the website Notice Board for up to date information.
Dinghy Club Volunteers – Did you know the Dinghy Club is run entirely by Volunteers?
The club requires volunteers to assist at all race events. They participate in pre planning events, setting up on and off the water and pack up after the event. Race rounds require, timing system operators, duty boat and closed water marshal, race starter, boat marshals, rescue boats, pre and post race scrutineer volunteers.
If you would like to be part of this group and gain an insight into the workings fo the club, don’t be shy, give us a shout out or email. riverlandinghyclub@hotmail.com and offer up your time.
We promise you will be made to feel very welcome, they are a happy bunch of Volunteers.
