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Commonwealth Celebrations Sydney 1901 presented to Rev R J Cameron : All boats Handicap 2nd prize DOROTHY
Commonwealth Celebrations Sydney 1901 presented to Rev R J Cameron : All boats Handicap 2nd prize DOROTHY

Commonwealth Celebrations Sydney 1901 presented to Rev R J Cameron : All boats Handicap 2nd prize DOROTHY

Date1901
Object number00016763
NameMedal
MediumSilver
Dimensions38 mm, 0.05 kg
ClassificationsCoins and medals
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Stephen Hill
DescriptionThis silver medal is from the All Boats Handicap in the Commonwealth Regatta in Sydney, Australia held on 4 January 1901 and bears the inscribed name Rev R J Cameron. A crown is depicted above the crown of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms. The race was held on the 4 January 1901 to celebrate Federation and was open to boats with limited crew members. The second place winner was the 16 footer DOROTHY. This medal was awarded to Rev Cameron but it was not collected.HistoryOpen boating was an important part of sporting and working life on the harbour and during the late 19th and early 20th centuries the two activities were more integrated than they are today. Regattas were central to competitive boating in the 19th century and functioned as a social and sporting occasion 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 regatta was not just a means for exercising competitive sport but also a focus for social and recreational entertainment in Sydney. Sites around the foreshore provided a place for spectators to gather and have picnics, while night time entertainment was organised in the form of dances and recitals.SignificanceThis medal provided an insight into colonial regattas and sporting in Australia.