A Royal Australian Navy minehunter vessel will spend the weekend docked in Hobart for the 186th Royal Hobart Regatta.
The HMAS Diamantina (II), a 52.5 metre Huon class coastal minehunter, will arrive at Princes Wharf 1 on Friday evening.
Regatta organisers have announced that the Diamantina will serve as the “official flagship” of this year’s event, following the ANZAC class frigate HMAS Arunta II’s feature last year.
“With her compliment of 46, Diamantina will be open to the public on Saturday alongside Princes Wharf No. 1 10am to 2pm before helping us usher in our 186th Birthday from the heart of the Derwent River on Sunday,” organisers said.
Commanding Officer of HMAS Diamantina Lieutenant Commander Georgina Rae-Martin said she was excited to visit Tasmania with Diamantina for the first time.
“It’s an honour to be the commanding officer of the flagship for this year’s Regatta, the crew and I are energised to engage with the Tasmanian community,” Rae-Martin said.
“With three of my crew having joined the Navy from Tasmania, it’s an even more exciting time to be here. They are looking forward to visiting their home state.”
The Regatta runs from Saturday to Monday and entry is free.
Live music, sailing, rowing, wood chopping and fireworks on Sunday night all make up the program, alongside a 1.5km swim of the Derwent at 8am on Sunday.
