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One Hundred and Fourth Anniversary Hobart Regatta program
One Hundred and Fourth Anniversary Hobart Regatta program

One Hundred and Fourth Anniversary Hobart Regatta program

Date5 December 1942
Object number00048366
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 104th Anniversary Regatta held on the 5th December 1942. 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 Cadet Dinghies; Men's C Grade Swimming Race; 12 Square Metre Class; Women's C Grade Swimming Race; Cruisers; Men's A Grade Swimming Race; Yachts ( D Class); Women's A Grade Swimming Race; Yachts (B Class); Men's B Grade Swimming; Yacht (A Class); Women's B Grade Swimming Race; Exhibition of Life-Saving by the Royal Life-Saving Society; Life-Saving Rescue Races; Water Ballet by members of the Top of the World Swimming Club; Unveiling of the Tasman Memorial Tablet; Naval Reserve Race; Comic Display in Fancy Costume from the Diving Board and High Tower; Mixed Diving Contest; Sea Scout's Race; Naval Reserve Race; Display of Acrobatic and Fancy Diving; Men's C Grade Swimming Race; Men's B Grade Swimming Race and Greasy Pole Contest for the championship of Regatta. It is type set in three columns and printed by the Mercury Press, Hobart.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.