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'Old Time Sailing Reminiscences'
'Old Time Sailing Reminiscences'

'Old Time Sailing Reminiscences'

Date1890
Object number00014617
NameScrapbook
MediumCloth, leather, Ink on paper, cardboard
Dimensions240 x 310 x 50 mm, 1.45 kg
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis scrapbook bound in blue cloth and half maroon leather contains numerous regatta programs dating from the 1890s to the 1920s including the Intercolonial Regatta and Brisbane Club Regatta programs. Scattered throughout the book are loose documents. It is one of three scrapbooks compiled by R Dick Silvester as a reminiscence of sailing races and competitions.HistoryRegattas were central to competitive boating in the 19th and 20th centuries 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 provided with dances and recitals. R Dick Silvester was a veteran of sailing in Queensland, Australia and crewed on the famous 22-foot skiff BULLETIN in the 1890s. He maintained an interest in sailing through out his life and contributed a column to the 'Sports Referee' in the 1920s titled 'I remember- Sailing Reminiscences in Brisbane and Sydney'. In recognition of his services to 16-ft skiff racing, the Queensland Association elected him as its first life member. Over a twelve year period he was active in raising funds to send Queensland representatives to complete in regattas in Perth, Hobart and Sydney.SignificanceThis scrapbook is representative of sailing clubs and community regattas held in Brisbane during the late 19th century and early 20th century. It provides a record of the vessels that were active at the time and demonstrates the enthusiasm shown by devotees to the sport.