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Flying Squadron Special Regatta program
Flying Squadron Special Regatta program

Flying Squadron Special Regatta program

Date7 January 1870
Object number00048313
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 a special regatta to honour the visit to Hobart of five British warships known as the Flying Squadron. The regatta was held under the patronage of the Governor Chas. Ducane. Esq. and Rear-Admiral Hornby on 7th January 1870. It was organised by the Hobart Regatta Association and Lieutenants Watson, Parker and Roberts from HMS LIVERPOOL, LIFFEY and PHOEBE respectively. The program details various squadron rowing and sailing events as well as a novelty duck hunt. It is type set in two columns and was printed at the Mercury steam press office in Hobart.HistoryThe Flying Squadron, under the command of Rear Admiral Hornby, was a travelling display of British naval supremacy which visited Sydney and Melbourne before arriving in Hobart on 2 January 1870. Although unarmed, the fleet played a role in asserting British naval power in the farther corners of the empire. 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.