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Ninety-Second Anniversary Hobart Regatta program
Ninety-Second Anniversary Hobart Regatta program

Ninety-Second Anniversary Hobart Regatta program

Date4 February 1930
Object number00048354
NameSilk program
MediumSilk, ink
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Royal Hobart Regatta Association
DescriptionThis silk program with a blue fringed border was produced for the 92nd Anniversary Regatta held on 4th February 1930. The regatta was organised by the Hobart Regatta Association and commemorates the sighting of the west coast of Van Diemen's Land by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642. It was held under the patronage of the Governor Sir James O'Grady KCMG. The program details various events including Maiden Eights; Junior-Senior Fours; Maiden Sculls; Junior Eights; Senior Eights; Maiden Fours; Junior-Senior Eights; Alexandra Sculls; Ladies' Trans-Derwent Swimming Race; Men's Trans-Derwent Swimming Race; Trans-Derwent Swimming Race - For Men of R.A.N.; Secheron Purse; Junior Fours; First-Class Motor-Yachts - Speed Craft; Naval Cadets' Race; Boys' Swimming Race; Greasy Pole Contest for Championship of Regatta; Naval Cadets' Race; Swimming Race 80 yds.; Naval Swimming Race (For Championship of Fleet); Swimming Race 80 yds.; Yachts (C Class); Yachts (D Class); Yachts (B II Class); Yachts (B I Class); Cruisers; The John Colvin Race - A Class Yachts; Fishing Boats; The J.G. Turner Race for Trading Vessels; Motor-Yachts, Power Cruisers; Cadet Dinghies (12ft.); Naval Cadets' Race; Swimming Race (80 yds.) Final; Warship race; Inter-Club Teams Race; Diving Contest; Hobby Horse Novelty; Boxing and Wrestling on Springboard; Warship Race; Sailors' Comic Stunts; Comic Display; Warship Race; Pillow Fight in Fancy Costume; Exhibition of Life-Saving by Royal Life-Saving Society; Warship Race; Greasy Pole in Fancy Dress and Warship Race. It is type set in three columns.HistoryThe Hobart Regatta was inaugurated in 1838 a year after the Sydney event. It became a symbol of the colony's independent regional identity. Far more than just a yacht race, the regatta would celebrate the local anniversary of Abel Tasman's 'discovery' of the island in 1642, demonstrate the unity and patronage of civil and military elites, promote whaling and other free-settler enterprises, and even remove the colony's convict stain. The day was a public holiday and free food and beer was given to settlers who came to watch the aquatic competition. By the early 1900s boat races competed with novelty entertainments, such as the greasy-pole pillow fights, comic stunts, fancy costumes, bearded ladies and snake charmers. Tasmanians still passionately claim the supremacy of their regatta tradition and regional identity. The Hobart Regatta continues to be held annually on the Derwent River and today is held over three days. SignificanceRegattas were central to competitive boating in the 19th century and functioned as a social and sporting event, as well as a marker of official anniversaries in a public aquatic spectacle. Civic leaders, politicians and merchants offered patronage and sponsorship.