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One Hundred and First Anniversary Hobart Regatta program
One Hundred and First Anniversary Hobart Regatta program

One Hundred and First Anniversary Hobart Regatta program

Date21 February 1939
Object number00048363
NameSilk program
MediumSilk, ink
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Royal Hobart Regatta Association
DescriptionThis silk program with a red and white fringed border was produced for the 101st Anniversary Regatta held on the 21st February 1939. 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; Warship Race; Maiden Sculls; Paired-Oared Race; Outboard Speed Boats; Secheron Purse; Naval Reserves Race; Junior Eights; Warship Race; Ladies Fours; Senior Paired-Oared Race; Naval Reserves Race; Junior-Senior Fours; Ladies' Trans-Derwent Swimming Race; Men's Trans-Derwent Swimming Race; Trans-Derwent Swimming Race for the Men of the Fleet; Warship Race; Maiden Fours; Inboard Speed Boats; Boys Swimming Race; Men's B Grade Swimming Race; Ladies Swimming Race; The John Colvin Race Yachts (A Class); Men's Swimming Race; The J.G. Turner Race for Trading Vessels; Exhibition of Life-Saving by the Royal Life-Saving Society; District Dinghies; Cadet Dinghies; Boys Swimming Race; Girls Swimming Race; Comicalities on Raft; Power Cruisers; Sailors Comic Stunt; Diving Displays by members of the Fleet and local lads; Mixed Diving Contest; Pillow Fight in Fancy Costume; Greasy Pole in Fancy Dress; Men's Swimming Race; Ladies Swimming Race; Interclub Ladies Swimming Race; Interclub Men's Swimming Race; Mix Medley Swimming Race and a Grand Fireworks Display. 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 enterproses, 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.