Port Macquarie Regatta 1935 - BRITANNIA

Date1935

Object number00028920

NameBadge

MediumMetal, varnished sepia photographic printed on paper and mounted on a circular tin backing.

DimensionsOverall: 24 mm, 0.003 kg

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Patricia Lowing

Terms

DescriptionThis button pin from the Port Macquarie Regatta depicts the 18-foot skiff BRITANNIA .HistoryThe 18-foot skiff was designed to reach extreme speeds and provide an exciting and attractive sport for spectators to watch. This was the aim of the vessels when they were first designed in the late 19th century. The origins of the sport are attributed to Mark Foy and a group of businessmen who were the founding members of the Sydney Flying Yacht Squadron, reported to have been established on 19 October 1891 in the 'Sydney Morning Herald'. The club advocated for sailing to be open to all types of vessels and sailors. Their first competitive race is believed to have been held on Sydney Harbour on 26 January 1892. BRITANNIA is an 18-foot skiff launched in 1919. The boat, and its skipper, builder and designer 'Wee Georgie' Robinson were both very prominent in the 18-foot skiff class between the two world wars and won many races. SignificanceThis pin represents the 18-foot skiff BRITANNIA which played an active role in open boat racing in Australia between the two world wars.