Sesquicentenary Anniversary Hobart Regatta program
DateFebruary 1988
Object number00048402
NameSilk program
MediumSilk, ink
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Royal Hobart Regatta Association
DescriptionThis silk program with a gold fringed border was produced for the Sesquicentenary Anniversary Regatta held on the 6th and 9th February 1988. 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 His Excellency General Sir Phillip Bennett, AC, KBE, DSO, Governor of Tasmania.
The program details various events including Rowing Races; Sailing Races; Power Boats; Trans-Derwent Swim; Wood chopping; Foreshore Activities and Miscellaneous. It is type set in five 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.
