Page 9 - The Outdoor Showman October - December 2022

longest consecutive observed in the southern hemisphere.
By 1879 the event moved within the colonies social calendar to January/ February in place of December and by 1934 King George V enacted
the use of ‘Royal’ in the events name. As it grew the event moved away from a focus on free beer; this was due in part to it leading to unruly intoxication and fights that had forced relocation of the even to its current home at the aptly named ‘Hobart Regatta Grounds’.
display of prowess. All and sundry are invited to once again join in all that the Regatta has to offer, and can expect to be fondly reminded of bygone colonial days whilst equally dazzled in all the glory such a significant birthday brings.
What’s On At the Regatta
Punters can expect a plethora
of favourites intertwined with additional birthday celebrations. Events include, yet are not limited to;
• Rowing
A traditional pastime steeped
In the years that ensued the [now] Royal Hobart Regatta ran continuously through two world wars before being cancelled for the first time in 1967 in the wake of the ‘Black Tuesday’ fires that had devastated the state.
During its rich history the Regatta has played host to ten royal visits, the most notably of 1963 which saw Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip join in the pageantry after sailing into Hobart on Royal Yacht Brittania.
The Regatta Today
As 2022 draws closer to an end the Regatta itself draws closer to an event like no other. In 2023 the Royal Hobart Regatta will celebrate its 185th year in a previously unrivalled
in its own history and grandeur with a truly Tasmanian twist as skulls compete in the only sea- based rowing event in Tasmania. As old as the event itself, over 180+ rowers will race over a staggering 1100 metre course commencing in the arches of infamous Tasman Bridge.
• Sailing
Several events and various categories will see master yachtsmen compete for ‘gold and glory’ at the peril of the weather and river until there is one true champion.
• Woodchopping
Watch on as 70+ axeman combine skill and brut force in harmony to chop and ‘jill’ saw at breathtaking speed.
• The ‘Trans Derwent Swim’
A staple of the Regatta, this event sees over 100 swimmers transect the brooding waters of the Derwent River in an agreed challenging swim.
• Concerts & Fireworks
After all, what Regatta would be complete without an aptly performed backing track! Performers from across the
state and further afield will descend on the event to keep punters entertained and in many cases on their toes performing
a fitting ‘tassie two step’ – all of which will culminate in the traditional Regatta Fireworks.
• Displays
Masters of the sea and air from the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Airforce will
of course be in attendance to punters keep looking out and up throughout the event.
You can guarantee all the aforementioned will be interspersed with family day, the annual ‘Regatta Ambassador Quest’, ‘Come and Try Day’ carnivals, show rides and plenty more on and near shore activities.
In order to avoid catching 185th birthday FoMo all one need do is save the date; Royal Hobart Regatta – 185th Celebration, February 11 to 13 @ the Royal Hobart Regatta Grounds
For more you can satisfy your interest at www.royalhobartregatta. com or follow us on social media;
Facebook & Instagram: /royalhobartregatta
YouTube: @RHRA
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