Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Ninety-Ninth Anniversary Hobart Regatta program
Ninety-Ninth Anniversary Hobart Regatta program

Ninety-Ninth Anniversary Hobart Regatta program

Date23 February 1937
Object number00048361
NameSilk program
MediumSilk, ink
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Royal Hobart Regatta Association
DescriptionThis silk program with a yellow fringed border was produced for the 99th Anniversary Regatta held on 23rd February 1937. The regatta was organised by the Royal 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 Ernest Clark KCB, CBE. The program details various events including Warship Race; Junior-Senior Fours; Maiden Sculls; Maiden Fours; Speed Motor-Yachts; Naval Reserves Race; Senior Eights; Warship Race; Paired-Oared Race; Junior Fours; Naval Reserves Race; Alexandra Sculls; Ladies' Trans-Derwent Swimming Race; Men's Trans-Derwent Swimming Race; Trans-Derwent Swimming Race for the Men of the Fleet; Warship Race; Junior-Senior Eights; Maiden Eights; Speed Motor-Yachts; Warship Race; Boys Swimming Race; Girls Novice Swimming Race; Girls Swimming Race; Greasy Pole Contest; for Championship of Regatta; Ladies Race; Junior Eights; Naval Swimming Race; Exhibition of Life-Saving by the Royal Life-Saving Society; 12 Square Metre Class; Yachts (D Class); Cruisers; Yachts (B Class); Warship Handicap Sailing Race; Yachts (First Class); The john Colvin Race Yachts (A Class); The jag. Turner Race for Trading Vessels; Ladies Swimming Race; Men's Swimming Race; District Dinghies; Class; Cadet Dinghies; Power Cruisers Motor Yachts; Comic Items and Diving Greasy pole, 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.