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Seventy-Ninth Anniversary Hobart Regatta program
Seventy-Ninth Anniversary Hobart Regatta program

Seventy-Ninth Anniversary Hobart Regatta program

Date23 January 1917
Object number00048340
NameSilk program
MediumSilk, ink
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Royal Hobart Regatta Association
DescriptionThis silk program with a white fringed border was produced for the 79th Anniversary Regatta held on 23rd January 1917. 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 Rowing Races; Swimming Races; Sailing Races; Fishing Boat Races; Motor Boats Races; Naval Races; Greasy Pole in Fancy Dress; Diving Contests; Boxing Display; Pillow Fight in Grotesque Costume; Exhibition of Aqua-Planing and Life-Saving Competition. 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.