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Ninety-Seventh Anniversary Hobart Regatta program
Ninety-Seventh Anniversary Hobart Regatta program

Ninety-Seventh Anniversary Hobart Regatta program

Date5 February 1935
Object number00048358
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 97th Anniversary Regatta held on 5th February 1935. The regatta was organised by the Royal 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, Sir Ernest Clark KCB, CBE. The program details various events including Maiden Eights; Speed Motor-Yachts (Outboard Engines); Naval Reserves' Race; Junior-Senior Fours; Maiden Sculls; Senior Eights; Ladies' Race; Naval Reserves; Junior Fours; Ladies' Trans-Derwent Swimming Race; Men's Trans-Derwent Swimming Race; Alexandra Sculls; Junior-Senior Eights; Maiden Fours; Speed Motor-Yachts (Inboard Engines); Secheron Purse; Boys' Swimming Race B Grade; Girls' Swimming Race B Grade; Junior Eights; Greasy Pole Contest for Championship of Regatta; Ladies' Swimming Race A Grade; Naval Reserves Swimming race (For Championship of R.A.N.R. Association); Yachts (16ft. Skiff Class); Yachts (D Class); Cruisers; Yachts (B Class); The John Colvin Race - A Class Yachts; The J.G. Turner Race for Trading Vessels; Ladies' Swimming Race; Power Cruisers, Motor Yachts; Swimming Race 80yds; District Dinghy Class; Cadet Dinghies (12ft.); Exhibition of Life-Saving by Royal Life-Saving Society; Oversea Yachts; Comic Stunts on Raft; Comic Wrestling Display; Comicalities on Raft; Comic Novelty Event on Raft; Diving Contest; Comic Diving Display; Exhibition of Diving; Pillow Fight in Fancy Costume; Greasy Pole in Fancy Dress; Swimming Race 250 yards; Swimming Race 80 yards Final; Final Ladies' Swimming Race and Inter-Club Teams 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.