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'Queen of the Harbour' race prize sash
'Queen of the Harbour' race prize sash

'Queen of the Harbour' race prize sash

Date10 February 1945
Object number00016692
NameSash
MediumSatin ribbon, ink
DimensionsOverall: 50 x 2150 mm, 0.02 kg
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Speedo International Ltd
DescriptionThis satin cream sash with gold lettering is from the 'Queen of the Harbour' race and was given out in third place on 10 February 1945. It was presented to Gloria Smythe at the 18-footers ball held at Grace Bros in Sydney after she participated in a charity race in the skiff H C PRESS. Women sailed one day a season to raise money for charity - one on each boat and were awarded sashes for achieving a winning place. Women provided a support network for clubs and assisted fundraising by baking lamingtons and organising crews.HistoryOn 10 February 1945 Gloria Smythe participated in the charity race Queen of the Harbour with 18-foot vessels. Smythe took the place of another girl who had been sponsored for the race by Harris Hutchinson Pty Ltd but was unable to participate. Thirteen vessels took part in the race but only 7 finished, with the others capsizing in the rough weather. Regattas were central to competitive boating in the 19th and 20th centuries and functioned as a social and sporting occasion as well as a marker of official anniversaries in a public aquatic spectacle. Civic leaders, politicians and merchants offered patronage and sponsorship. Community regattas often featured several races, including rowing, sculling and sailing events usually for professional watermen and amateurs. The regatta was not just a means for exercising competitive sport but also a focus for social and recreational entertainment in Sydney. Sites around the foreshore provided a place for spectators to gather and have picnics, while night time entertainment was provided with dances and recitals.SignificanceThis sash is representative of charity yacht races and the role of women in fundraising for sailing clubs. It is a memento of the one day of the racing season when women were allowed to compete.