The genesis of the Event was the social and competitive gathering of “Putt Putts” as they are now known by the early builders, residents and boating enthusiasts of the district. Challenges between boat owners/builders were designed to determine who had the fastest putt-putt, or who could row the quickest. In addition, on-shore celebrations were held with music and fun for the whole family. Many pu
tt-putt boats are still in use on Brisbane Water today. In the Davistown area over 30 of the classics can be seen on their moorings. Putt-putt boats usually range in length from 14-18 feet and are powered by either single or twin cylinder 2 to 10 hp Blaxland/Chapman, Simplex or Clay inboard petrol driven engines all of which make the vary familiar putt-putt exhaust sound. Reintroduced as an annual event via a quorum of enthusiasts in 1996/1997, the Regatta is now one of the principal events on the Gosford City calendar. The Davistown Putt Putt Regatta & Wooden Boat Festival attracts a huge amount of quality putt putts traveling from as far as Queensland and the ACT. The 10th Anniversary event in 2007 attracted a field of over 100 Putt Putts. It is out of the respect and knowledge of the enthusiasts – otherwise known as the “Black Hands” who form the heart of the annual event, that the charter of the Davistown Putt Putt Regatta & Wooden Boat Festival is drawn. " To promote an annual event to showcase Putt Putt engineering and timber boat skills in a family friendly, free to the public Festival, promoting and drawing on the camaraderie among Putt Putt enthusiasts and timber boat owners generally. "
The structure of the Davistown Putt Putt Regatta & Wooden Boat Festival evolves between Putt Putt enthusiasts (from which the Coordinator has always been drawn) together with the support and “man power on the day”. Offers of assistance have been received and carried out by others, not limited to, but including, Coastal Patrol, SES, Rural Fire Brigade, Volunteer Fire Brigade and St John’s Ambulance.
