Royal Regatta in Australia
The regatta runs for three days in February, from Saturday to Monday. On Monday, day of regatta finishing, national holiday is launched. During the competition, shipping traffic at River Derwent is stopped completely.
The governor of Tasmania Sir John Franklin gave start to the event two hundred years ago. Franklin maintained free-of-charge food and beer for all spectators, and the stated tradition – nibbles and beverage at cost of organizers – has been alive up to now. Then governor claimed the second Monday of February as official holiday, and currently it is the oldest public holiday in Australia (even Australia day has been celebrated only since 1935!).
The regatta is held within the territory known as Regatta Ground. Nowadays here cenotaph is located – it is honorary monument dedicated to dead Tasmanians.
Traditionally Royal Regatta is to be seen by a huge amount of spectators. Especially participants love it. It happens not least because the event stays under the aegis of Royal Australian Navy, which annually sends warship to become flag officer of the regatta. Royal Australian Air Force support the event providing not only aerial cinematography but also colorful air shows. The Australian Army’s elite Red Beret demonstrate marvels of sky diving.
Regatta itself includes sailing, rowing, jet ski racing, boat racing, and also a trans-Derwent swim – participants should overcome the river wide of which is 1.6 km.
The compulsory event is «Miss Regatta» competition for the most beautiful girls. In the recent years apart from contest of yachtsmen, there are numerous entertaining shows alike show-swims and show-races for spectators, local citizens, and tourists.
