The Australia Day Regatta

Book excerpt: The Australia Day Regatta has been held on Sydney Harbour every year since 1837. Believed to be the oldest continuously held annual regatta in the world, it has grown and flourished and today involves close to 700 vessels − from ocean-going yachts to small sailing dinghies − and thousands of participants. Illustrated with vibrant images of regattas past and present, this book offers a slice of Sydney’s history through its enduring yachting traditions. It traces not only the fascinating history of this unique event, but the story of sailing in Sydney since the early years of the colony, and the regatta’s dedicated supporters and patrons.