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Seventy-Sixth Anniversary Hobart Regatta program
Seventy-Sixth Anniversary Hobart Regatta program

Seventy-Sixth Anniversary Hobart Regatta program

Date27 January 1914
Object number00048338
NameSilk program
MediumSilk, ink
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Royal Hobart Regatta Association
DescriptionThis silk program with a blue fringed border was produced for the 76th Anniversary Regatta held on 27th January 1914. The regatta was organised by the Hobart Regatta Association and commemorates the sighting of the west coast of Van Diemen's Land by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642. It was held under the patronage of the Governor the Right Hon. Sir William Grey Ellison-McCartney, PC, KCMG. The program details various events including Junior Eights; Secheron Purse; Junior-Senior Fours; Naval Cadets (North v. South); Maiden Eights; Alexandra Sculls; Naval Cadets' Race (Juniors); Third-Class Motor Boats; Junior Fours; Naval Cadets' Race (Seniors); Swimming Race (Handicap) 80yds.; Maiden Sculls; Swimming Race 80yds.; Maiden Fours; Greasy Pole; Senior Eights; Pillow Fight in Grotesque Costume; Handicap Sailing Dinghies; Yachts (D Class); Yachts (C Class); Yachts (B Class); First-Class Yachts; One-Design Yachts; Handicap Fishing Boats; Second-Class Trading Vessels; First-Class Trading Vessels; Second-Class Motor Boats; Warship Race [includes officers of HMA Ships AUSTRALIA, MELBOURNE, ENCOUNTER, SYDNEY and FANTOME]; Parade of Copper Punts; Inter-Club Team Race; Warship Race [includes officers of HMA Ships AUSTRALIA, MELBOURNE, ENCOUNTER, SYDNEY, WARREGO and FANTOME]; Pillow Fight (in Fancy Dress); Maiden Fours; First-Class Motor-Boats; Greasy Pole In Fancy Dress and Warship Race. It is type set in three columns.HistoryThe Hobart Regatta was inaugurated in 1838 a year after the Sydney event. It became a symbol of the colony's independent regional identity. Far more than just a yacht race, the regatta would celebrate the local anniversary of Abel Tasman's 'discovery' of the island in 1642, demonstrate the unity and patronage of civil and military elites, promote whaling and other free-settler enterprises, and even remove the colony's convict stain. The day was a public holiday and free food and beer was given to settlers who came to watch the aquatic competition. By the early 1900s boat races competed with novelty entertainments, such as the greasy-pole pillow fights, comic stunts, fancy costumes, bearded ladies and snake charmers. Tasmanians still passionately claim the supremacy of their regatta tradition and regional identity. The Hobart Regatta continues to be held annually on the Derwent River and today is held over three days. 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.