Queen of the Harbour sash awarded to Patricia Walden

Datec 1969

Object number00001307

NameSash

MediumCloth

Dimensions99 x 1746 mm

ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Patricia Marsh

Terms

DescriptionThis 'Queen of Harbour 1969 - 1970 Seasond 2nd' sash was presented to Miss Patricia Walden when she was a teenager. It is a memento of her crewing in the Queen of the Harbour and of the Waves annual fund raising races held by the two New South Wales 18fter clubs. 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.HistoryRegattas 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. Women sailed one day a season to raise money for charity - one on each boat and were awarded sashes for entering and achieving a winning place. Women provided a support network for clubs and assisted fundraising by baking lamingtons and organising crews.SignificanceThese pennants represent the often invisible role of women in the 18 fter circuit since their activity was largely one of support. Ladies Day was the only active service they saw when eah boat carried one woman or girl.