One of the world’s longest-running community events returns to Hobart’s waterfront today, with organisers expecting up to 8,000 people for a full day of free activities.
Now in its 178th year, the Sandy Bay Regatta is the oldest continuously running regatta in the Southern Hemisphere.
First held on New Year’s Day in 1849 as a rowing competition between working seafarers, the event has grown into one of Tasmania’s biggest community celebrations.
Sandy Bay Regatta Association chairman Peter Douglas said the timing couldn’t be better, with summer finally making an appearance.
“We usually get 2,000 people down. This year with the weather looking so great we might get four times that participating in our free family events,” he said.
On the water, dragon boat and outrigger races, sailing experiences, Nipper beach activities and the Tassal ocean swim will provide plenty of action for both participants and spectators.
On land, families can enjoy live music, kids’ rides, food stalls and a digital scavenger hunt.
Traditional favourites – including Blundstone boot throwing, pie eating and the best-dressed Aussie competition – will also return.
Douglas said the regatta had evolved over time while staying true to its roots.
“In the beginning the regatta was about row boats coming to compete. Nowadays it’s morphed into an event for community participation,” he said.
A City of Hobart citizenship ceremony will also be held during the day, welcoming 75 new Australians from 29 countries.
The Wrest Point Sandy Bay Regatta runs from 8am Saturday at Long Beach Reserve.
Entry is free, with parking available for a gold coin donation to Variety Tasmania.
