ENTRIES in the Easter yacht regatta were not the only record set over the weekend, as Lake Boga businesses relished the influx of visitors drawn to town.
Lake Boga Commercial Hotel, who sponsor the annual event, served 921 meals over the long weekend.
On the Sunday night alone, the pub plated up 275 meals – 50 more than the previous hotel record for a single service.
New owner and local farmer Matt Gadsden, whose family has owned the pub in previous generations, took over the venue just three weeks ago.
“It was actually pretty crazy, the regatta was pumping and we got ’em in most nights,” he said.
“It wasn’t too bad for us in the bar because we could just keep rostering more people on.
“But the kitchen seemed to handle it really well too.”
Instead of ‘turning tables’, where patrons have a limited seating time, Mr Gadsden called on local help.
“We actually had to go down to the (Lake Boga) footy sheds and get a couple trailer loads to sit an extra 100 people,” he said.
“I didn’t want to kick people out, so we just carted a heap of chairs and tables up from the club.”
Similarly, Lake Boga Newsagent and Cafe, which the regatta promoted in their event flyer, was a hive of hospitality.
Cathie Talbot, who took over the business in June last year, said it was their busiest weekend yet.
“It was a massive weekend, even over the summer holiday period we weren’t as busy,” she said.
“It’s really our first Easter here, but the takings were probably the best since we’ve been here.
“On Monday we did 57 coffees, which we’d normally do in probably about a month.”
On Good Friday, the businesses’ fish-and-chip trade was flush with visitors and locals alike.
“Everyone from out of town was really friendly and pleased to be there,” Ms Talbot said.
“There were some really nice interactions and a lot of chatting.”
The regatta drew nearly 140 entries, with many competitors accompanied by families and supporters.
Race co-ordinator Garry Johnstone said it was the largest number of entries in two decades.
“It had been growing slowly year on year, but this was certainly the biggest jump we’ve had,” he said.
“It was a 30 per cent increase on numbers last year.
“There have been lots of people who come here every year, and word gets around.”
Racing finished on the Monday, followed by trophy presentations.
The junior regatta champion was Acklin Stent from Mount Martha Yacht Club who sailed an optimist called Speed Hopper.
The senior regatta champion was Inga Griffiths-Hunt from Altona Yacht Club who sailed a sabre called String Theory.
