Melbourne Amateur Regatta 1908

Date1908

Object number00044553

NameProgram

MediumPaper, ink, silk

DimensionsOverall: 225 x 145 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

HistoryThe first Melbourne Amateur Regatta was held on the Yarra River in 1860. It was a sweep oared race between amateur rowers organised by Professor Irving, founder of the University of Melbourne. In 1903 the Melbourne Amateur Regatta Association was formed to organise the annual event now known as the Australian Henley Regatta. It followed the same format as the long established Henley Royal Regatta, reflecting Australian rowing's ties to English rowing traditions. The first Henley-on-the-Yarra was held in 1904. A series of Challenge Cups were established for the various events all with silver trophies which are still competed for today. In 1908 the Regatta course was shortened from the 1 mile 100 yds (the distance from Melbourne's Botanic Gardens Bridge to Princes Bridge) to a measured mile from Punt Road Footbridge to "Engineer's Corner" where the Judges' box is located. Up to 1939 the Australian Henley Regatta was, after the Kings Cup, the most important event on the Australian rowing calendar drawing large spectator crowds and entries from interstate and overseas.