English: This image shows the Orient Steam Navigation Company's RMS Ormonde in Sydney Harbour with the Sydney Harbour Bridge almost complete in the background. She was the flagship at the annual Anniversary Regatta held on Sydney Harbour on 26 January 1931. She was moored off Cremorne Point and ferry steamers sailed to and from her carrying special guests and the general public to attend the luncheon aboard. Among special guests at the luncheon were the Lord Mayor of Sydney, officers of the Royal Australian Navy, consular officials and representatives from Orient Line. The VIP steam launch Lady Hopetoun is seen approaching the liner on the right of the photograph.

This photo is part of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s William Hall collection. The Hall collection combines photographs from both William J Hall and his father William Frederick Hall – the latter of which is likely to have taken this image. The images provide an important pictorial record of recreational boating in Sydney Harbour from the 1890s to the 1930s – from large racing and cruising yachts, to the many and varied skiffs jostling on the harbour, to the new phenomenon of motor boating in the early twentieth century. The collection also includes studio portraits and images of the many spectators and crowds who followed the sailing races.
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Object number 00013681