Royal Hobart Regatta

Royal Hobart Regatta History

The Royal Hobart Regatta (TAS) is an essential aspect of the Australian culture, marking an important time in Tasmania's calendar. A celebration of boating, sports, and entertainment, the event gathers participants and spectators alike from all around the country. Royal Hobart Regatta offers an opportunity for people to immerse themselves in the heritage of the region while enjoying a wide array of maritime activities and performances.

Established in 1838, the Royal Hobart Regatta holds a significant place in Australia's historical landscape as it is the oldest continuous sporting event in the nation. More than just a competitive racing event, the Regatta has expanded throughout the years to be inclusive of cultural, social, and recreational aspects that hold a special place in the hearts of Australians. Today, it is a three-day annual spectacle held on the foreshores of the River Derwent in Hobart, Tasmania, featuring traditional wooden boats, contemporary watercraft races, and captivating onshore entertainments.

The Royal Hobart Regatta (TAS) is observed with great enthusiasm and excitement as thousands of participants compete in various boating races and challenges, highlighting the nation's maritime history and skill. Besides the water activities, families, and friends can enjoy food, markets, music, and fireworks that showcase the Tasmanian culture in the best light. The Royal Hobart Regatta is observed every year over a long weekend, typically taking place in February.

Top facts about Royal Hobart Regatta

• The Regatta hosts events in sailing, rowing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, woodchopping and power boating amongst others.
• In 1962, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip attended the Royal Hobart Regatta.
• Originally, in the early days, the Regatta was the idea of Governor Sir John and Lady Franklin who thought it would be nice to give the citizens of the city a event to relax and compete.
• The Regatta has been held continuously since 1838. In 1967, it was cancelled when last minute bush fires caused disaster in the surrounding area but it was scheduled anyway.
• The effect of sailing is produced by a judicious arrangement of the sails to the direction of the wind. - William Falconer, Scottish sailor and poet

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Top things to do for Royal Hobart Regatta

• Head on down to Hobart, Tasmania to enjoy the festivities first hand.
• Sign up for a aquatic sporting event locally. The Regatta is home to many aquatic sporting events so if you can't make it to one at the Regatta, enjoy a swimming competition, sailing contest or woodchopping near you.
• Spread awareness about the largest and oldest aquatic event in the Southern Hemisphere on social media by using hashtags #royalhobartregatta, #hobart, #royalregatta and #hobarttasmania.
• Watch a movie about aquatic sports. Some of our favourites: Blue Crush (2005), Point Break (2015), All is Lost (2013) and Against the Current (2009).
• Gather with your friends for a BBQ and afternoon for aquatic sports. Getting and staying outdoors is one of the most common activities to do for the Regatta.