Royal Regatta

.. It remains one of Australia’s most popular annual events.The Royal Regatta in Hobart, Tasmania, was first held in 1838. And it has since remained one of Australia's most popular annual events - and the oldest sporting event in Tasmania. The regatta takes place over three days, ending on the second Tuesday of February. During the competition, navigation on the Derwent River is completely stopped.

The event was launched almost two hundred years ago by the Governor of Tasmania, Sir John Franklin. Franklin provided free food and beer to all spectators, this tradition - snacks and drinks at the expense of the organizers - is alive to this day. At the same time, the governor declared the second Monday in February an official holiday, and now it is the oldest public holiday in Australia (even Australia Day has only been celebrated since 1935!).

The regatta takes place in the area known as the Regatta Ground. Today, the cenotaph is a war memorial dedicated to the lost Tasmanians.

Traditionally, the Royal Regatta comes to see a huge number of spectators. She's also loved by the participants. Not least because the event is sponsored by the Royal Australian Navy, which annually sends a warship to be the flagship of the regatta. The event is supported by the Royal Air Force - providing not only aerial photography, but also colorful air shows. And Australia’s elite military unit, the Red Berets, demonstrate the wonders of sky diving.

The regatta itself includes: sailing, rowing, water skiing, boat racing, as well as swimming - participants must overcome Dervent, whose width is 1.6 km.

A must-see event is the selection of the most beautiful Miss Regatta girl.

In recent years, numerous entertainment shows have been added directly to the yachtsman competition - such as show races and show swims - for local spectators and tourists.