The Australia Day Regatta

Illustrated with vibrant images of regattas past and present, this chronicle focuses on the Australia Day Regatta, offering a slice of Sydney’s history through its enduring yachting traditions. Believed to be the oldest continuously held annual regatta in the world, the Australia Day Regatta has been held on Sydney Harbor every year since 1837 and has grown to involve nearly 700 vessels—from ocean-going yachts to small sailing dinghies—and thousands of participants. This book not only traces the fascinating history of this unique event, but reveals the history of sailing in Sydney since the early years of the colony and examines the regatta’s dedicated supporters and patrons.

Christine Cheater is an associate researcher at the University of Tasmania, where she teaches Australian and colonial history. Jennifer Debenham is a doctor candidate at the University of Newcastle, where she teaches Australian history. They are professional historians and have collaborated on commissioned histories, heritage reports, and oral history interviews.