Dusk over a marina in Sandy Bay, Hobart, Tasmania

The Royal Hobart Regatta begins

We’re headed to the Tasmanian waters of Hobart today for the start of the Royal Hobart Regatta – an annual series of aquatic competitions and displays. It’s also the largest aquatic carnival in the Southern Hemisphere. Arranged by Governor Sir John (who was once a British Royal Navy officer) and Lady Franklin, the first Regatta was held in 1838 for the citizens of Hobart as both a form of relaxation and competition.

As the event gained traction, crews of visiting ships caught wind and wanted to compete with locals in all sorts of water-based events like yacht races, and thus a tradition was born. As time went on, different activities grew in popularity for attendees on dry land, expanding the event even more. 2021 marks the 183rd anniversary of the event, and while it will understandably look a little differently than past years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will still be the traditional racing events, as well as a Regatta carnival, concert and fireworks show.