It’s a go. Tens of thousands will flock to picturesque Quidi Vidi Lake today for the 205running of the Royal St. John’s Regatta, which bills itself as the oldest organized sporting event in North America.
The top men’s and women’s crews are back. Last summer, Hyflodraulic captured the triple crown in the women’s division, while NTV won a second-straight men’s title. However, the races are expected to be very competitive today with a number of teams capable of winning the women’s title. The men’s crown is also up for grabs with several teams hoping to win it all.
The Regatta is steeped in history. In 1818, there were less than 45,000 people living on this vast, majestic island. There was no formal government and – when rowing oars dug into the waters at the 1818 races – it was the fishing admirals who governed.