Of Tragedy and Valor
New Years Regatta

Cain and Malen are credited with organising the first Regatta and Water Sports event held at Victor Harbor on New Year’s Day in 1869. 

This tradition continued for many years and was held on the Works Jetty near Granite Island until the late 1940s. 

January 1 became an important gala day at Victor Harbor, with the holding of the annual regatta and water sports. Opening day of each year saw the trains emptying their thousands of holidaymakers into the picturesque little township. A friendly rivalry existed between the boat-owners of the Harbor and Goolwa, and the sailing races often drew large fields. The arrangements were then in the hands of such well known identities as Messrs. C. Goodwin, K. Jelliff, M. Rumbelow, R. T. Lawson, A. Oliver, and T. Higgins, and Captain Jeffrey.

PORT VICTOR REGATTA. [Southern Argus, January 11, 1877]

• South Australian Chronicle and Weekly Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1868 - 1881) 

•  Sat 13 Jan 1877 

New Year's Day at Victor Harbor was one of the most enjoyable that could possibly have been spent amongst all the recent holidays. A delicious breeze from the south rippled the waters under shelter of Granite Island just sufficient to prevent the heated glassy appearance that betokens the close, sultry, and stifling interval betwixt calm and storm : whilst outside the sea was just sufficiently 'on' to charm both spectator and competitor in the sundry boat races that came off during the day. 

An enthusiastic Committee, of which Mr. George Goodwin was the 'motive power,' provided a grand programme of aquatic and other sports, which were carried out without hitch, hindrance, or accident, and reflected the highest credit on all concerned. 

The following is a list of the sports : — 1 Sailing match. — Length of boat not to. exceed 18 feet over all. First; £3 10s. ; second, £1 ' 10s. ' Four entries for this race - Faughaballagh sailed by Lawson; Astracan, sailed by Baaner ; Stringybark sailed by Woodard ; Yarra sailed by Rumbelow. Course, twice round , all buoys and barges — about four miles. 

A fair start was effected. In the run down the ' boats kept well together. The Astracan was the first to round the boat, closely followed by Yarra. In the beat up the position of the boats was somewhat altered, as on passing the starting point oh the first round they were in the following order :— Faugh-a-ballagh, Yarra, Stringybark, and Astracan. This position was kept up the remainder of the race, the two former taking the prizes. 

Duck Hunt.— Prize, 20s. Duck, M. Rumbelow.- To be chased by foiir-oared boat; duck allowed five minutes' start. Astracan. 'was manned for the chase by Lawson, Wopdard,. McDonald, and Baaner, who made a rush as soon as the signal for a start was given. The duck dodged them about the barges for some time, much to the amusement of the onlookers^ but his pursuers proved too much for him. 

Southern Argus  - Thursday 3 January 1907, page 3

• Southern Argus (Port Elliot, SA : 1866 - 1954) 

•  Thu 3 Jan 1907 

Hundreds of people journey to the famous watering places, Ports Victor and Elliot and Middleton during the summer months, and on New Year's Day these persons all assemble on Granite Island to witness the regatta, excursion and ordinary trains also conveying their own loads from all along the line for the day thus making quite a spectacular view on the Island, and on Tuesday, last there was no exception to the rule, or, if anything, there was a larger crowd than' before seen there. 

People took their positions on the northern side of the Island, on the embankment, and the jetty, besides the many that were standing about and passing to and from the town. The weather, which looked threatening in the early morning, turned out to be pleasant with a fresh eass breeze. The aquatic sports were got off very successfully, and with the exception of the greasy pole without a hitch of any kind, reflecting great credit on the secretaries, Messrs. G. A. Henderson and A. H. Warland, who with' their stewards and assistants worked to maintain the success which they justly deserved. The secretaries also acted as handicappers, whilst Mr. JT. A. Holliday undertook she duties of starter to the cveate very efficiently. 

People were taken on short excursion trips round' the Harbor under themanagement of Capt. Jeffrey, and judging from the crowds each time on the boat people seemed to appreciate the' opportunity of thus enjoying themselves. Another feature of the day was the excellent music given by the Adelaide  Central Brass Band under Bandmaster C. Allison, this alone attracting a good deal of listeners, besides those interested, thus indicating that really good music was rendered. A luncheon booth was run under the care of the Salvation Army, and justice was done to the things provided. They also catered for an afternoon tea booth, whilst the Sports' committee ran a cool drink stall which was very well patronised. Other stalls had place on the Island, such as lolly and fruit stalls, and here also business was brisk, the visitors going in strong for the tempting fruits and so on. To the committee s credit be it said that financially the club has come out on top, and it is to them that all credit is due. Everyone voted the sports a decided success in every particular, and a most enjoyable time was spent, which denotes that this annual fixture is rapidly growing more and more popular with city as as well as country folk. 

The first item, the handicap sailing race, compiled six nominations. The race was exceptionally good, the boats on the finish of first round bailitisf ia/the following order : — Girofta, Ivy, Iteitb, Spray Ferrett, and .Aleua, but on tbe second round the Girofla ran off ami came ia third to the Ivy and Kieth respectively, and die Ferrett misplaced the Spray for 'fourth place with tbe Alena last. In the finish of the final lap the boats sailed past the post, via,, Keith, Ivy, Girofla, and Ferrett, the otkor two, Spray and Alena, not finishing. The winning boat belonged to Mr. J?. Jeffrey. Four competitors started in the boys' swimming race under 16, and after a good battle C. Fellew just got borne from T. Battye. 

The ladies were now given a chance to display their strength and skill in the boat in a pulling number (2 in each boat.) The two successful winners were Miosea LangdoB aid Jeffrey. Half a dozen entries were obtained for the  maiden swimmers, and after a good tussle with the water V. and S. Ellis swam rir6t and second respectively. 

The next event to come off was the greasy pole, but owing to the. pole snapping whilst one of competitors was' on it tne number was not completed. The tug of war .caused a deal of excitement* ' and after a little exertion Joy and Swansoh proved top strong for their opponents, the Joy Bros., 

The men's handicap swimming' race to which was attached a a great amount of; excitemenji proved a good race. , The five starters battled hard for first honors, bat the start of G. Rumbelow (18 secs.) was too much for those in the rear and he won by nearly the length of his start, leaving the remaining four, J. Wilton, E. Steer, C. Langdon, and R. Kropinyeri to fight for second place, which -resulted in a win for Langdon (scr.) Only two tried for supremacy in the men's pair oared race, which proved A. L. Swanson an easy winner from J. Joy. In the long dive fixture some good diving was witnessed. R. Dent with E. laing second proved an easy winner out of the four leutries. The diving for eggs was vary exciting indeed, and five nominators tried for the prize money.

H. Battye, who picked up three eggs, was declared the winner, R. Dent and R. Bolger, each of whom picked up two, dividing for the second place. The men's pulling item was annexed by Messrs. Rumbelow and Shannon from Messrs. Joy and A. Swanson. 

The final number on the programme was the aquatic ball match, and came in fittingly, for holidayists or any other persons always look forward to something good at the end of a programme, and they were well afforded it this time. The opposing teams (L, Shannon's and C. Langdon's) had their work cut out now, for as 'ducking' was freely indulged in a man had to watch himself. Langdon's team led up to half time by two goals to one goal. On changing they scored another goal, but Shannon's quickly made the scores even by adding two goals — three goals all. ^Now the excitement became intense until just before the bell rang Shannon's team settled it by securing another goal, the scores being;— Shannon's team, 4 goals ; LangdWs team, 3 goals. 

The following is tlio programme : — First Handicap Sai!ing'Race, about 8 miles, open to aUrConien. First £7 ; second. £3 ; third, £L F. Jeffrey 'a Keith, 18 Biina. ... I G. Tickley's Ivy, 19 mins. ... 2 R. Lawson's Girofla, 23 mins ... 3 Other Starters — Rumbelow Bros.' Ferrett, 3 mins. ; Rumbolow Bros.' Spray, 11 mins. ; j. Jeffrey's Aloua, sor.

Boys' under 16 Swimming Race. First. 10s. ; second, 5s ? C. Peltew ... ''. ? 1 T. L. Battye ... ... ... 2 Other Starters.— R. James and P. Bolger. Ladies' Pulling Race, short distance, (keel boats), 2 in each boat. First, 15s. ; second, Misses Langdon and Jeffrey ... . 1 Mesdames Swanson and Friend ... 2 Maiden Swimmers Race, about 150 yds. First, 15s. ; second, 7s. Od. S. Ellis ? ? i V. Ellis ? 2 Other starters. — j. Lundstrum, R. Dent, E. Ising, and Peters. Tug of War, 2 men in each boat (flat bottomed), winning boat £h Messrs. Joy and Swanson ... 1 Messrs. Joy Bros. ... ... 2 Men's Handicap Swimming Race, about 300

. yds. .cirst, *1 ios. ; second, los. C. Rumbelow 18 sees. ... ... 1 C. Langdon scr. ... ... 2 Other starters.— R. Kropinyeri, scr. ; E. Steer, 5 sees. ; J. Wilton, 20 sees. Men's Pair Oared Pulling Race, (flat bottomed square sterned boats), about half-a-niile. First, 15s. ; second, 7s. 6d. A. L. Swanson ... ... ... 1 J. Joy ... ... ... ... 2 Long Dive. First, 15s ; second, 7s, 6d. R. Dent ... ... .., 1 E. Ising ... ... ... 2 Other starters.— H. Battye and C. Langdon. Diving for Eggs. First, IO3 ; second, Ss. H Battye ... ... ... 1 R. Dent and R. Bolger (divided) 2 Other starters. — E. Ising and C. Langdon. Men's Pulling Race, 2 men in each boat, flat bottomed, square sterns), about half-a-mile. First, 1; second,- 10s. Rumbelow and Shannon ... 1 J. C. Joy and A. Swansea ... 2 Aquatic Ball Match, 5 men on eaeb side. Winning team, £1 5a^ L. Shannon's team .„ ... l C. Langdon's team * .... ... 2

Victor Harbor Regatta

•  The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1931) 

•  Sat 2 Jan 1909 

January 1 has always been an important gala day at Victor Harbor, and if the interest displayed in the regatta, which is held annually on that occasion, can be taken as any criterion, it will long continue to hold a prominent place in the calendar of the inhabitants of that popular watering place. 

Forty-one years ago on Friday, a meeting was held of residents of Victor Harbor, who considered that the growing popularity of their township warranted the introduction of some annual event with which to entertain the visitors. This "entertainment" eventually took the form of a regatta, and the promoters never had cause to repent of their action. The greatest interest was taken in the venture from the outset, and the opening day of each year saw the trains emptying their thousands of holidaymakers into the picturesque little township. A friendly rivalry existed between the boat-owners of the Harbor and Goolwa, and the sailing races often drew large fields. 

The arrangements were then in the hands of such well known identities as Messrs. C. Goodwin, K. Jelliff, M. Rumbelow, R. T. Lawson, A. Oliver, and T. Higgins, and Captain Jeffrey. 

Everything possible was done to make the venture a success, and for 14 years the fixture was an extremely popular one in the southern districts. Then, however, the Goolwa regatta was started, and as the committee of management had to depend entirely on free subscriptions, and, as the public support had never taken any very substantial form, it was found necessary to give up the fixture. 

That was in 1883, and for ten or twelve years after that Victor Harbor went without its regatta. The loss, however, was felt so keenly that the citizens banded together to make another effort in the direction of aquatic sports. The committee formed for the purpose was a capable one, and the event soon became to approach its former importance. 

Twelve years ago, Mr. A. H. Warland became connected with the management, and the enthusiasm he infused into the committee caused the popularity of the annual regatta to increase wonderfully. 

On Friday the secretarial duties were vested jointly in Messrs. Warland and G. A. Henderson, the latter of whom became associated with his chief four or five years ago. They were assisted by Messrs. E. E. T. Hyde, J. H. Holliday, T. W. Gribble, and H. Moyle. 

The fixture had grown to such an extent that on Friday the railway authorities, acknowledging their former errors, dispatched special trains to the Harbor from Adelaide, Milang, Mount Barker, and Goolwa. Each locomotive drew its full quota of human freight into the station, and the carriages were so numerous that in every case the passengers were forced to alight in two lots as the platform was not long enough to accommodate the whole tram. 

As these found their way along the jetty, Granite Island, where the sports were being held, assumed an animated appearance. The Victor Harbor Brass Band, of 18 performers, under Bandmaster Chick, discoursed items in a creditable manner. 

The steamer Argyle ran excursions to Wright's Island and back, and the public were catered for in every possible way. The weather was almost ideal for aquatic events. The wind was fresh, and yet not strong enough to make the water rough. 

The sailing race, which was the most important event of the afternoon, was won by C. J. Rumbelow's boat, Swallow.  G. Ticklie's Ivy finished second two lengths away.  Atalanta, of Glenelg, was a poor third. Swallow finished 6 min. 10 sec past 4, and Ivy 20 sec after. 

The greasy pole event, which was eventually won by E. Ising and H. Battye, created roars of laughter, the absurd antics of the competitors as they clutched at the elusive feather being provocative of great merriment. The diving was of a high order, and all the swimming races produced good finishes.

Water Sports at Victor Harbor

• The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1931) 

•  Tue 4 Jan 1910 

Yesterday the annual regatta and aquatic sports were held on Granite Island, Victor Harbor and a large gathering thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon's proceedings. The weather was warm, which made aquatics an ideal exercise. About 3,000 spectators thronged the first wharf and sat on the slope overlooking the scene. Special trams had arrived in the morning, bringing crowds from Adelaide Mount Barker and Milang, while from the district inland a large number came to take part in the gathering. 

A start was made at noon with a 12 mile yacht race and the craft made a brave snow as they tacked three times around the course. G. Ticklie's. Ivy gained the judge's verdict and then followed C.J. Rumbelow's Swallow, C Rumbelow's Spray, Harbormaster G F Jeffrey's Alena, Evens Valma, and Jarvis' Vida. W. Jeffrey's Keith which also started, did not finish. A protest lodged against the winner on the ground that an oar had been used after starting time had been called will be considered by the committee. The scratch boat (Swallow) made the fastest time, 1 hour 48 minutes. The 100 yards swimming championship was won by Kro penyeri, a sturdy young aboriginal while the 300 yards event fell to L.Shannon

An exhibition was given by Messrs T Pollock, D. L .Todd, C. Keane, J.S. Nobbs A H Earle and A. E Kenny, members of the Royal Life-Saving Society, under the direction of the last-named, who is secretary of the South Australian Amateur Swimming Association. It was one of the most enjoyable items in the entertainment. 

Mr Pollock, in addition gave a display of fancy swimming, during the course of which he imitated a sinking ship and swam with hands and feet tied. The party then went through rescue drill, and at the close of their performance were heartily applauded. There were numerous other items on the programme. A large number of the spectators enjoyed trips in sailing boats. The enjoyment of the occasion was added to by the strains of the town band, who rendered many delightful selections on the wharf. 

Those responsible for the arrangements were Mr A H Warland ( secretary) G A Anderson (trea-surer), J H Holliday, J C Jag, J W Gribble, and E T Hyde. The committee are handicapped by not having the power to charge for admission to the îsland or the wharf, or to collect fees from stall-holders. If they could do so they would be able to increase the prize money, and thus attract yachtsmen from Port Adelaide and other places.

Results -

Sailing Race, 12 miles - G Ticklie's  Ivy (handicap 17 min time 2 hr 3 m. 20 sec.) C J Rumbelow's Swallow (scratch 1 hr 43 min ) C Rumbelow's Spray (18 min., 2 hr 9 min 2 sec)

Big Water Pageant

•  The Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929) 

•  Tue 4 Jan 1910 

Victor Harbor is a holiday town always, but on the first day of each year it excels itself. Visitors front all parts gather on Granite Island to enjoy the annual regatta and aquatic sports, which are among the most interesting and best conducted at any of South Australia's watering places. 

A bright sunny afternoon made the conditions ideal on Monday, and over 3000 people were dotted around the first wharf and natural vast amphitheatre formed by the rocky hillside of the island. The sports were carried out infill new of all, and ;ls a sight it was most picturesque. 

Right to the ivaier's edge along the seawall the spectators crowded, anil every development of the water pageant was watched with keen interest. 

Early in the morning special trains from Adelaide, Mount Marker, and Mikug had swollen tile uunihcr of visitor-;, and country residents tlot-ked in from llindmars.li and liiman ^'al-leys, and oven so far by road as Willunga and McLaren Vale. 

The excellent programme was opened at noon by a 12-mile yacht race, competed for by local boats. The half dozen craft presented a pretty picture as they swept round the course. Three times they made the circuit, and the judge's gun fired first when G. Tieklie's Ivy showed her nose over the line. C. J. Rumbelow's Swallow arrived next shortly after, and Spray  (owned by C. Rumbelow) came in third position. 

Harbour master G. V. Jeffrey's Alena followed those, and Ewen's Valma just beat Jarvis's Vida for fifth position. Jeffrey's Keith also started, but drew out. A protest was entered against the winner on the ground that an oar was used after starting time had been called, and it will be considered by the committee. 

The fastest time was mode by the scratch marker Swallow, which cut out the distance in the good time of 1h 46m. One of the finest exhibitions of the afternoon was that provided by the members of the Adelaide branch of the Royal Lifesaving Society— Messrs. T. Pollock, R.L.S.S. (Scotland). D. L. Todd (Scot-land). V. Keane (Sydney). J. S. Xobbs (Sydney). A. H. Karl, and A. E. Kcnney. 

They gave several exhibitions of life saving and resuscitation, which showed the value of the amateur association's work in this State. T. Pollock provided an excellent interlude with fancy swimming, and included in his feats, were the imitation of a sinking ship, and swimming with both hands and feet tied. The members also went through rescue drill, and were highly complimented upon their efforts. A long programme of other sports was carried out, and further attractions were provided by sailing boat trips and selections by the brass band. 

VICTOR HARBOR FESTIVAL.

Though Xmas week was cooler than customary at this time of the year, the fact did not lessen the holiday crowd that flocked to the glorious watering place, Victor Harbor, every available apartment there having been booked up

long before the festive season opened, hundreds of would-be visitors having to be content to spend their vacation elsewhere, Port Elliot, Middleton, and Goolwa also being crowded with excursionists. But full as Victor Harbor was with its temporary residents during the Xmas week it had to find room for thousands more ou New Year's Day — an immense crowd making their way there on that day for the annual festivities which are conducted on the opening of the new year, the occasion having become a second Commemoration Day at Glenelg event. The weather on Monday last, when, the 1922 gathering took glace, atoned well for the cool days of the preceding week, a cloudless sky allowing the rays of the sen to warm things up sufficiently to satisfy the taste of a salamander, though the bretze from the Southern Ocean made one forget the heat, the breeze and the thousand-and-one charms that were spread out so lavishly by Daine Nature, Qe Harllfir riPVcr tiairtunr nr^c*ntA-1 o.

more delightful appearance. There was a record crowd on the foreshore and the Island, and all day long a living mass lined the long jetties and causeways, a liberal railway service accounting for a big portion of the great assemblage, hundreds of motor cars for as many more, and horse-drawn vehicle's for hundreds and hundreds more, every part of the south as welt as the city having a heavy representation. Strathalbyn alone sent between three and four hundred to swell the total. Mount Barker, Milang, and all the towns on the Yankalilla and Willunga side also contributing largely to it. Mr. A. H. Warland, who has had the organising of the festival since its inception, again gave evidence of his admirable fitness for the secretarial office, all of the countless details for so extensive a festival having been carefully attended to under his supervision, and all of his colleagues being well posted in their yarious duties. 

Nominally a sports meeting, the programme of athletic and aquatic events really is but an item in the day's programme, witnessed by but a very small proportion of the attendance, trips on the sea, rambles on the beaches and rocks, and hundreds of other al fresco pleasures forming the big attractions for the crowd. Of course the sports clarmed a certain amount of attention, but the meeting of friends, the enjo3'inent of the beauties of the locality, and picnicing parties of family groups accounted for the real enjoyment for the bulk of the thousands present at the Arcadian resort on the day, and it can be said without fear of denial that a most enjoyable time was spent one way or another tby all who were present, the 'number including a large number of the leading people ot the State, and also a good many interstate visitors of importance. The catering arrangements for so big a crowd had to be extensive, but they were ample, and happily no accidents marred trie pleasure of the day. 

The premier (Hon. H. N. Barwell) was present by invitation, and during the day gave a very interesting address, reported full in the daily press, the mayor (Mr D. H Griffin) and Mr. Simpson Newland, E.M.G.. als-- speaking, the former giving a n'-imber of ficures showing the wonderful growth of tbe town durins the last few- year', a^d outlining the prospects for the future. Mr Newland was heartily congratulated on the honor just conferred on him by the King, and all the speakers voiced seasonable sentiments for the New Year. 

The committee comprised Dr. F. J. J. Douglas (president), and Messrs. A. H. Warland (secretary), W. D. Richardson, F. Coot, G. Wcodard. J. C. Joy, A. Moyle, T. Coote, H. B. Battye, J. W. Gribble. S. D. Bruce, and W. Pearson. The last named was in charge of the button selling: arrangements, and through his personal efforts about 1,000 were sold. The competitors were : — A.. Jenkiri'6 Nellie (18 ft. Ion?, handicap 21 min.). W. Jeffries' Keith (22 ft., 8 min.), D. Rumbelow's Brigand (35 ft., 3 m.), and H. Button's Wvreema (37 ft.. scr.V 

The distance was about 10 miles, being three times round a rectangular course. The Wyreema finished an easy first, Brigand being second. 

The swimming results were : — Boyp, under 16 (50 yards). — C. Godfrey and Zj. Swain. Neat Dive. — S. Davies and H. Collins. 100 Yards.— J. Wilton and I-. Karpeny (dead heat). Greasy Pole. — D. Davies and L. Swain divided. Water Polo. — H. B. Battye's team defeated J. Wilton's team. 

There were three starters in the flat-bottom beat rowing race, and D. Pearsons won comfortably from H. JenbtB. Long Dive. — C. Langdon, E. Steer. 280 Yards (smimmins). — S. Karpeny, E. Steer. Consolation Bace.— H. Collins, E. Attrill. During the aftercoon the Marine Beard launch Conqueror made trips around the island, and the proceeds were added to the regatta committee's funds.