The Kent class cruiser HMAS Canberra, in pre-war paint scheme, lies at an anchorage in 'dressed ...

The Kent class cruiser HMAS Canberra, in pre-war paint scheme, lies at an anchorage in 'dressed ship' display during the Hobart Regatta. The ship is profiled on her port bow quarter. Sailing boats, similarly rigged out to smaller scale, circle the ship to mark the visit. The flying of flags and pennants to celebrate the occasion or an event is one of the oldest customs of the service. Full instructions for dressing ship were laid down in the Admiralty book BR 222(2), Visual Signalling Equipment. Flags and pennants of the signal codes, disposed in as variegated and symmetrical a manner as possible, are used. Except for the masthead ensigns, national flags and ensigns are not included, because the order in which they are flown might possibly give offence. The flag of the senior officer on board, the Rear Admiral Commanding the Australia Squadron, is flown at the head of the top mast. RAN ships made regular training cruises to Tasmania and their crews keenly anticipated the oportunity to attend this yearly yachting event which was also celebrated as a prominent fixture on the island's social calendar.