Unchanged since 1849, this was something new
For the very first time, working boats take part in The Balmain Regatta.
Images by Andrea Francolini.
After a Long winter, upper Sydney Harbour sailors look Forward to the start of the summer sailing season and A traditional season opener with a twist.
This is the Balmain Regatta.
'The Balmain Regatta has a proud history, having been first held in 1849, and is closely aligned to the traditions of wooden boats which are synonymous with the Balmain waterfront,' so said Neil Hamilton, Chair of the Regatta back in 2010.
'While most yachties have gone to the ‘dark side’, adopting fibreglass and other composites as their boat building material of choice, the Balmain Regatta is a chance for the wooden, ‘plastic’ and other boats to meet in good clean fun in a wonderful display of sail and sailing skills. We still have a very active group of traditional and classic wooden skiffs, yachts and dinghies sailing on the upper harbour,' said Neil.
THE 2022 Balmain Regatta wrote a new chapter in the club’s long history when a convoy of working and historic tugs and work boats took part for the first time.
After the last of the sailing events, the work boat convoy took part in a parade, line astern, from outside the BSC, for a 90 minutes voyage around harbour landmarks.
All images by Andrea Francolini.
The 2022 Regatta was the first fully public edition since the beginnings of the COVID pandemic with the shore-based Band, Barbeque and Bar activities in full swing.
//
Thanks to Andrea Francolini for his beautiful pictures.