Royal Hobart Regatta in Australia

The Monday Royal Hobart Regatta is the oldest sporting event of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. The sporting event, which started in 1838, completed 175 years in 2013. During this three-day event spectators enjoy series of aquatic competitions and displays.

The regatta ends on the second Monday of February and keeps the whole Derwent River occupied for various aquatic competitions such as open water swimming, rowing, sailing, wood chopping, dragon boat racing, Jet Ski racing, a tug of war and a trans-Derwent swim, which covers the 1.6 km width of the river. Another main attraction of the event is Miss Regatta girl competition. An official attendance ceremony is always held for the Governor of Tasmania in the regatta.

Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force also support the event. The navy sends a warship to be used as the flagship in the regatta and often the Royal Australian Air Force provides fly-pasts with military aircraft. Aerobatic performances by RAAF Roulettes and sky diving displays by Red Beret parachute regiment of Australian Army makes the event packed with fun, frolic and excitement.

What do People do in Royal Hobart Regatta?

The event is attended by a large number of persons. Thousands of competitors try to get entry in various sporting events. Apart from aquatic competitions, other entertainment programs also add to the pleasure of the visitors. Activities such as sideshow entertainment, amusement park rides, fireworks, listening to the music, participating in Miss Regatta girl competition attract a big number of audiences. Food lovers can have a taste of different continental food items from a number of stalls arrayed in the Hobart ground.

How Monday Royal Hobart Regatta Started?

In the year 1838, the Governor of Tasmania, Sir John Franklin had started the competition and all the audiences were provided food and beer for free. The entry was also free for spectators and the tradition is still prevalent. The Governor had declared the Monday as a public holiday and the Monday Royal Hobart Regatta is the oldest public holiday still prevailing in Australia. In the year 1967 the largest aquatic competition in the southern hemisphere had been cancelled due to the disastrous bush fires.