Started by the European community in 1834, the New Year Sea Sports, also known as the Annual Regatta, eventually became part of a full-scale Sports Day, involving other sporting activities at the Singapore Cricket Club and Singapore Recreation Club. The Regatta usually started with a parade of the vessels, both European and local in origin. These vessels would then compete in sailing races, organised into two separate European and local leagues. The New Year Regatta was an important and highly-regarded race. Past guests-of honour include Abu Bakar, Maharajah of Johor and Sir Thomas Braddell, Attorney-General of the Straits Settlements.
