Jubilee Anniversary Balmain Regatta 1899

Date1899

Object number00045174

NameProgram

MediumPaper

DimensionsOverall: 140 x 110 mm, 25.91 g

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Michael Cross

Terms

DescriptionThis Jubilee Anniversary Program was produced for the Balmain Regatta held on 9 November 1899, celebrating the birthday of the Prince of Wales and the regatta's 50th anniversary. Sailing regattas in Sydney fulfilled a sporting and social purpose and were accompanied by events such as dances and concerts. This program originally belonged to William H Golding, a Sydney boat builder and designer active from the 1880s to the 1920s.HistoryRegattas were central to competitive boating in the 19th century and functioned as a social and sporting event, often marking official anniversaries in a public aquatic spectacle. Civic leaders, politicians and merchants offered patronage and sponsorship and their attendance at the races generated great public interest. The regatta was a way to celebrate and pay homage to the British Empire and often it was used to commemorate the birthday of a monarch. The Prince of Wales birthday being a key event that often featured in the event. Regattas became not just a recreational pastime for Australians but a routine part of public ceremonies. Community regattas often featured several races, including rowing, sculling and sailing events usually for professional watermen and amateurs. While many spectators had only a superficial interest in competitive racing the regattas offered them a social day out. The first Balmain Regatta was held in 1849 and continued running until it was stopped in 1934. It was started again in 1994 by the Wooden Boat Association and the Balmain Sailing Club who once more began participating in 1995.SignificanceThis program commemmorates the 50th Balmain Regatta in Sydney. It provides valuable information on local and interstate regattas of the same era as well as vessels that Golding sailed, designed and built.