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Port Adelaide Regatta Trophy, 1 January 1866
Port Adelaide Regatta Trophy, 1 January 1866

Port Adelaide Regatta Trophy, 1 January 1866

Maker
Date1864 - 1865
Object number00027357
NameTrophy
MediumSilver plate
Dimensions95 x 95 x 63 x 63 mm, 0.1 kg
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis trophy was made for the rowing regatta held on 1 January 1866 in Port Adelaide and awarded to one of the crew of EDITH. It was manufactured in Birmingham, England and is in the form of a silver christening mug with engraved floral decoration. EDITH was rowed by its crew of J Fletcher (coxswain), J Shaw (stroke), W H Hopkins, Smith and H Ring (bow) and beat the TEMPEST, SIR JAMES, and UNDINE in a race that generated heavy bets.HistoryRegattas 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. Community regattas often featured several races, including rowing, sculling and sailing events usually for professional watermen and amateurs. The Port Adelaide Regatta was one of a number of regattas organised in the colony. There were no yacht clubs and pleasure racing was an informal sport, largely consisting of regattas organised by committee and informal match racing between one or two boat owners. The Port Adelaide Regatta was reported in detail in the South Australian Adelaide Observer on 6 January 1866. It was well attended with many vessels participating in the days events. SignificanceThis trophy is representative of prizes awarded in rowing regattas in Adelaide and wider Australia during the second half of the 19th century. Rowing was a popular colonial sport and drew large crowds of spectators.