Checking their "gold" medals . The winning team from GEELONG.

HMAS COONAWARRA held its annual Coonawarra Cup on Melbourne Cup Day with the attendance said to have been the highest since inception in 1973.

Eight teams from various boats and establishments vied for the cup with the relay race involving a number of novelty events taking competitors to all corners of the base.

HMAS GEELONG's team led by CO LCDR Bob Plath took an early lead followed by HMAS DUBBO and HMAS BALIKPAPAN.

A strong comeback was made by DUBBO team led by LCDR Tim Watson, only to be overpowered by GEELONG in the last few events.

Star performances were made by AB Craig Hannay in the obstacle course and AB John Walker in the Iron Gut legs of the relay.

AB Grant Langley brought GEELONG the winner's cup with a win in the stiletto run.

Since its inception this year's event was the first ever won by the ship's company of a warship.