Only a couple of Stages ago I walked through the Hobart Regatta Ground as part of my trek along the Derwent River. At the time, other than a few fishermen the area was people-less and very dull.

By contrast, next weekend the area will be crowded with people involved in all sorts of Regatta related activities. The place will be buzzing. You only have to read the blurb offered by the Royal Hobart Regatta organisers on http://www.royalhobartregatta.com/ to realise there will be something that should interest everyone. Serious boat races and silly community fun races will be the mainstays of the Regatta. Concerts, movies, music, wood-chopping contests, pageants and trans-Derwent swims will support the event. Members of the Royal Australian Navy will arrive on the Flagship HMAS Sydney, complete with helicopters simulating live rescues etc. Finally, a fireworks display will light up the Derwent Harbour on Monday night.

The Regatta experience runs in tandem with the Australian Wooden Boat Festival over the weekend. Hobart’s waterfront will come alive with festivities. Thousands of people will throng the area over the four days.