Young nippers ready to dive in for regatta

DOZENS of young nippers are getting excited about taking the plunge and competing in the Sandy Bay Regatta’s Nipper Team Challenge Novice Swim, as part of the Australia Day festivities at Long Beach today.

The annual Sandy Bay Regatta reaches a momentous milestone of the 175th year in a row since it began on New Year’s Day in 1849, making it the oldest running regatta in the Southern Hemisphere. As part of the regatta, The City of Hobart will welcome 76 new Australian citizens from 27 different countries at a ceremony held alongside the milestone celebration.

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the ceremony was a fantastic meeting of Hobart’s past and future.

“To be welcoming our new Australian citizens at the same time as we are celebrating one of the oldest regattas in the world is a great representation of Hobart – a mingling of the old and the new.

“The City of Hobart is a longtime supporter and major sponsor of the regatta and we look forward to seeing it continue to thrive long into the future.”

The free family event will run from 8am-4pm, with a celebratory tree planting and historic watercraft that will be moored off Long Beach with the day culminating with a fireworks display at 9.30pm.

Andrew Fox, general manager of Wrest Point, sponsors of the event, said the organisation was proud to be continuing its support of the iconic event.

“Wrest Point is excited to celebrate this incredible milestone and our long history of supporting the regatta as a neighbour ahead of our own 50th birthday on February 10,” Mr Fox said.

“Our team will be on site at the Wrest Point marquee with interactive games and a chance to win some great prizes.”