The Sandy Bay Regatta is one of the longest running regattas in the world, having commenced in 1848. Like many regattas, it came from working sea-farers testing their skills against their mates. So sports like sailing and rowing became the main draw-cards for the public.

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Nowadays the Sandy Bay Regatta is one of the major celebrations of Australia Day in Hobart, hosting the City of Hobart Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony in conjunction with the City of Hobart.