Sea serpent and boats at the Anniversary Day Regatta at Cremorne Point

Photographer William James Hall (Australian, 1877 - 1951)

Date26 January 1933

Object number00013732

NameGlass plate negative

MediumEmulsion on glass

DimensionsOverall: 120 x 164 mm, 2 mm, 0.05 kg

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron

Terms

DescriptionThis is likely to be the 'historical events' and special presentation performed at the Anniversary Day Regatta near the flagship THEMISTOCLES at Cremorne Point on 26 January 1933. 'The Sydney Morning Herald' reported on this aspect of the day's festivities: 'Variety was given to the harbour scene by a representation of a huge sea serpent being propelled, apparently without effort, around the flagship, followed by a miniature "Ark Ararat" and other small craft symbolical of historical events.'History220 BOATS IN GAY REGATTA NEPTUNE was there in a backless costume, and so was the Sea Serpent, puffing out petrol fumes. Two hundred and twenty boats of all sizes and rigs were there, and 1300 eager sailors. It was Sydney's classic water pageant, the Anniversary Regatta, and the harbor yesterday was dotted with miniature fleets of yachts, of skiffs, cruisers, and motor boats. It was a day of trials for sailors, opening in brilliant sunshine, with a lively nor'-easter, and closing in a grey dusk, with misty squalls of rain. The wind dropped altogether about two o'clock, and line after line of limp sails clouded the harbor from Bight to Manly. NOT A CAPFUL OF WIND There were six races on the way at one time and not a, capful of wind for the lot. An hour later a westerly sprang up, and then came the rain, and another nor'easter. The sudden change caused one 18-footer to cap size off Bradley's Head. Yesterday was the 97th anniversary of the regatta. All of Sydney's aqutic clubs were represented, including the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, the R.P.A, Yacht Club, the Sydney Flying Squadron, the Royal Motor Yacht Club, the Australian Motor Yacht Squadron, and the N.S.W. Rowing Association. " - The Daily Telegraph, 27 January, 1933.SignificanceThe Hall collection provides an important pictorial record of recreational boating in Sydney Harbour, from the 1890s to the 1930s – from large racing and cruising yachts, to the many and varied skiffs jostling on the harbour, to the new phenomenon of motor boating in the early twentieth century. The collection also includes images of the many spectators and crowds who followed the sailing races.