Balmain Regatta 9 November 1896

Date1896

Object number00045177

NameProgram

MediumPaper

DimensionsOverall: 135 x 110 mm, 17.75 g

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Michael Cross

Terms

DescriptionThis program was printed for the Balmain Regatta that was held on 9 November 1896. The regatta was organised to coincide with the Prince of Wales' birthday and was a celebration of the royal event. Regattas provided the community with both a sporting and social activity.HistoryRegattas were central to competitive boating in the 19th century and functioned as a social and sporting event, often marking official anniversaries in a public aquatic spectacle. Civic leaders, politicians and merchants offered patronage and sponsorship and their attendance at the races generated great public interest. The regatta was a way to celebrate and pay homage to the British Empire and often it was used to commemorate the birthday of a monarch. The Prince of Wales birthday being a key event that often featured in the event. Regattas became not just a recreational pastime for Australians but a routine part of public ceremonies. Community regattas often featured several races, including rowing, sculling and sailing events usually for professional watermen and amateurs. While many spectators had only a superficial interest in competitive racing the regattas offered them a social day out. The first Balmain Regatta was held in 1849 and continued running until it was stopped in 1934. It was started again in 1994 by the Wooden Boat Association and the Balmain Sailing Club who began participating again in 1995.SignificanceThis program is representative of sailing in Australia and specifically the Balmain Regatta.