The Royal Hobart Regatta first took place in 1838. And since then it has remained one of Australia's most popular annual events and the oldest sports competition in Tasmania.
The regatta takes place over three February days, from Saturday to Monday. Monday, the day the regatta ends, is a national holiday. During the competition, navigation on the Derwent River is completely stopped.
The event started almost two hundred years ago by Tasmanian Governor Sir John Franklin. Franklin provided free food and beer to all viewers, a tradition of — snacks and drinks at the expense of — organizers that remains alive to this day. At the same time, the governor declared the second Monday of February an official holiday, and currently it is the oldest public holiday in Australia (even Australia Day has been celebrated only since 1935!).
The regatta takes place on the territory known as Regatta Ground. Today, the — war memorial cenotaph dedicated to the dead Tasmanians is also located here.
Traditionally, a huge number of spectators come to watch the Royal Regatta. She is also loved by the participants. Not least because the event is under the auspices of the Royal Australian Navy, which annually sends the warship — to be the flagship of the regatta. The Royal Air Force also supports the event, providing not only aerial photography, but also colorful air shows. And Australia's elite military unit — Red Berets — demonstrate the wonders of sky diving.
The regatta itself includes: sailing, rowing, water skiing, boat racing, as well as a — swim, participants must overcome Derwent, which is 1.6 km wide.
Mandatory event — selection of the most beautiful girl «Miss Regatta».
In recent years, numerous — entertainment shows such as show races, swim shows and sports competitions for — spectators of local residents and tourists have been added directly to the yachts competition.