Celebrating our waterways

Docklands waterways were highlighted last month during the annual Melbourne Day celebrations.

Around 5000 people flocked to the waterfront on Saturday, August 30 to take part in the Melbourne Regatta and Blessing of the Fleet.

The event, organised by the Melbourne Passenger Boating Association and the Mission to Seafarers, saw Docklands become the centrepiece of the city’s Melbourne Day celebrations.

Vessels filled the harbour during the blessing of the fleet, which was presided over by Father Bob (pictured above), from onboard the historic steam yacht Ena.

A free ferry service allowed people to get out and explore the water, while entertainment kept those on dry land amused.

The regatta also saw a re-enactment of the arrival of Melbourne’s first settlers onboard the Enterprize in 1835.

Organiser, Bill Reid from the Mission to Seafarers, said the event was a great success.

"The weather was perfect, we had good crowds and the free ferries were very popular," he said.

He thanked the event sponsors and said next year's regatta would be bigger and better, with a stronger focus on the food and wine component.

"We'd like to see more corporate involvement next year and there will be plenty of sponsorship opportunities at the 2015 regatta," Mr Reid said.