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Ninety-Fifth Anniversary Hobart Regatta program
Ninety-Fifth Anniversary Hobart Regatta program

Ninety-Fifth Anniversary Hobart Regatta program

Date7 February 1933
Object number00048357
NameSilk program
MediumSilk, ink
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Royal Hobart Regatta Association
DescriptionThis silk program with a purple fringed border was produced for the 95th Anniversary Regatta held on 7th February 1933. 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 Maiden Eights; Speed Motor-Yachts (Outboard Engines); Junior-Senior Fours; Maiden Sculls; Senior Eights; Maiden Fours; Ladies' Trans-Derwent Swimming Race; Men's Trans-Derwent Swimming Race; Trans-Derwent Swimming Race - For Men of R.A.N.; Junior Eights; Naval Reserves' Race; Secheron Purse; Speed Motor-Yachts (Inboard Engines); Junior Fours; Warship Race; Boys' Swimming Race B Grade; Greasy Pole Contest for Championship of Regatta; Alexandra Sculls; Diving Contest; Junior-Senior Eights; Naval Swimming Race; Ladies' Swimming Race; Yachts (16ft. Skiff Class); Yachts (D Class); Yachts (Open Handicap); Yachts (B Class); Cruisers; The John Colvin Race - A Class Yachts; The J.G. Turner Race for Trading Vessels; Exhibition of Life-Saving by Royal Life-Saving Society; Power Cruisers, Motor Yachts; Cadet Dinghies (12ft.); Warship Race; Naval Reserves' Race; Swimming Race 80yds; Comic Aeroplane Flight; Comic Test Cricket Match; Warship Race; Sailors' Comic Stunts; Swimming Race (80yds.) Final; Pillow Fight in Fancy Costume; Inter-Club Teams Race; 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.