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One Hundred and Eleventh Anniversary Hobart Regatta program
One Hundred and Eleventh Anniversary Hobart Regatta program

One Hundred and Eleventh Anniversary Hobart Regatta program

DateFebruary 1949
Object number00048369
NameSilk program
MediumSilk, ink
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Royal Hobart Regatta Association
DescriptionThis silk program with a red fringed border was produced for the 111th Anniversary Regatta held on the 12th and 15th February 1949. 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, Admiral Sir Hugh Binney Clark, KCB, DSO. The program details various events including Junior Paired-Oared Race; Maiden Fours Heat; Juniors-Seniors Eights; Handicap Sculls; Maiden Eights; Juniors-Seniors Fours; Sea Scouts Race; Underage Sculls; Maiden Sculls; Junior fours; Senior; Maiden Fours finals; Juniors Eights; Alexandra Sculls; Seniors Eights; Kiwi and Snipe Class Dinghies; First Class Cruisers and Cruisers; Cadet and District Dinghies; R, B and D Class Yachts; 12 Square Metre and Fergusson Classes; Snipe Design Dinghy Class; Kiwi Dinghy Class; Cruisers; Flare Fishing Boat Race; First Class Cruisers; B Class Yachts; D Class Yachts; R Class Yachts; The J.G. Turner Race for Trading Vessels; Fergusson Dinghy Class; District Dinghy Class; 12 Square Metre (Sharpies) International Class; Cadet Dinghies Race; Power Boats; power Cruisers; Swimming Races; Amusements and Naval Section. 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.