About the Royal Hobart Regatta
• The Royal Hobart Regatta was started in 1838 by the then Governor of Tasmania, Sir John Franklin
• The day was declared a public holiday and consisted of friendly competition between local sailors and members
 of the merchant navy. The Regatta holiday is now one of the oldest continuing public holidays in Australia
• Free food and beer was given to the settlers who came to watch the aquatic competition.
• The tradition of free entry has remained to this day and the cost of running the regatta is
now covered by sponsorship and to a lesser extent government grants.
• The entire Derwent River is given over to the Regatta for the three days