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Ninety-Third Anniversary Hobart Regatta program
Ninety-Third Anniversary Hobart Regatta program

Ninety-Third Anniversary Hobart Regatta program

Date3 February 1931
Object number00048355
NameSilk program
MediumSilk, ink
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Royal Hobart Regatta Association
DescriptionThis silk program with a light blue fringed border was produced for the 93rd Anniversary Regatta held on 3rd February 1931. 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 Lieut.-Governor, Sir Herbert Nicholls KCMG. The program details various events including Championship Sculls; Championship Eights; Maiden Fours; Maiden Sculls; Maiden Eights; Junior Fours; Alexandra Sculls; Speed Motor-Yachts (Outboard Engines); Junior-Senior Fours; Junior Eights; Ladies' Trans-Derwent Swimming Race; Men's Trans-Derwent Swimming Race; Trans-Derwent Swimming Race - For Men of R.A.N.; Secheron Purse; Junior-Senior Eights; Yachts (21ft. Class); Naval Reserves' Race; Speed Motor-Yachts (Inboard Engines); Warship Race; Boys' Swimming Race; Greasy Pole Contest for Championship of Regatta; Diving Contest; Naval Swimming Race (For Championship of Fleet); Ladies' Swimming Race; Yachts (16ft. Skiff Class); Yachts (D Class); Yachts (B II Class); Yachts (B I Class); Cruisers; The John Colvin Race - A Class Yachts; The J.G. Turner Race for Trading Vessels; Power Cruisers, Motor Yachts; Cadet Dinghies (12ft.); Warship Race; Naval Reserves' Race; Swimming Race 80yds.; Parachute Dive; Hobby Horse Novelty; Sailors' Comic Stunts; Comic Display; Warship Race; Boxing and Wrestling on Springboard; Swimming Race (80yds) Final; Pillow Fight in Fancy Costume; Inter-Club Teams Race; Exhibition of Life-Saving by Royal Life-Saving Society; Warship Race; 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.