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Hobart Regatta Association Jubilee 50th Anniversary Regatta commemorating the discovery of the Tasmanian Island in 1642
Hobart Regatta Association Jubilee 50th Anniversary Regatta commemorating the discovery of the Tasmanian Island in 1642

Hobart Regatta Association Jubilee 50th Anniversary Regatta commemorating the discovery of the Tasmanian Island in 1642

Maker
Date26 January 1888
Object number00003822
NameProgram
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 125 x 80 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis program was produced for the 50th Hobart Anniversary Jubilee Regatta in Tasmania on 26 January 1888, organised by the Hobart Regatta Association. The regatta commemorates the sighting of the west coast of Van Dieman's Land by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642. The Governor of Tasmania, Sir Robert C C Hamilton, was patron of the event reinforcing the unity and patronage of civil and military elites, free settler enterprises and the role of the regatta in improving the colonies image in the light of its convict past. The program was printed at the Hobart 'Mercury' newspaper office.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. This community regatta often featured several races, including rowing, sculling and sailing events usually for professional watermen and amateurs. The Royal Hobart Regatta began in 1838 as series of aquatic competitions held on the Derwent River, Tasmania. The event was a social as well as a recreational day, with the Tasmanian Governor Sir John Franklin providing free entry, food and beer to spectators. The regatta continues today with a number of amusement activities coinciding with the sailing and boating events.SignificanceThis program is representative of regattas in Tasmania during the late 19th century and reflects the role of regattas in comemmorating the founding of colonies and reinforcing local identity.