Royal St. John's Regatta
Dates: August 3, 2011
Website: http://www.stjohnsregatta.org
The Royal St. John’s Regatta, is held in St. John’s every year, on the first Wednesday in August (weather permitting). Ours is the oldest continuously organized sporting event in North America; 2011 marking the 193rd running of the races.
The Regatta dates back to the times when sea captains in port, would wager on the strength of their sailors, and used their gigs or whale boats to race across the harbour and back. From those days, as far back as 1816, our Royal St. John’s Regatta eventually moved to beautiful Quidi Vidi Lake where the shorelines offered all the citizens a chance to cheer on their favourite crew and enjoy a day of fun and activity.
What makes our Royal Regatta so unique? Our shells have fixed seats, are just over 50 feet long and weigh over 450 lbs. They hold a crew of six, plus coxswain. Our races start and finish at the same spot – but all five crews that make up a race, have to “turn the buoys” at the half way point – a true feat of athleticism and teamwork. With a full day of races on the pond – the day ends with the Championship Races for top five men’s and women’s crews. Every fraction of a second shaved off a record is a great cause for celebration and pride.
Our Regatta is more than that, even more than our most favourite sport, it’s a day for family and friends, young and old, visitor and neighbours. All around the shores of beautiful Quidi Vidi Lake are concessionaires offering all manner of food and treats for the whole family. Community groups who volunteer to staff a booth on Regatta Day will entice you to play games of chance, or games of skill. “Try your luck!” is a call that appeals to tourists and locals alike. Fun is fun!
Tourism for Newfoundland’s capital city developed a promotion called a “St. John’s Time” marketed as the best time for a visit. The key event during the last two weeks in July and the first two weeks of August – is the Royal St. John’s Regatta!
Newfoundlanders usually plan their summer trip home to coincide with The Regatta!
We invite you to come and experience this fabulous sport and social event in our fair city! Come see what you’re missing!
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Fan Festival Stories
Maureen Jaud
I was born in St John's and now live in Yellowknife but when I was younger living in NFLD I couldn't wait for the Regatta to begin mind you it was postponed many times due to weather but it always happened the next day or so. I loved to buy the "Dolls on a stick" !! remember anyone?
Posted on February 19, 2012 - 13:26
Tasha Mills
Love the Regatta! It's crazy busy and you cannot bring your car near the site. But once you know the tricks of the trade and the places to park within decent walking distance its amazing! There is the option to take the bus but they get filled up awfully fast and the line to get on is long.
Probably some of the best things about the Regatta is the vendors and the beer tent :)
Posted on February 1, 2012 - 17:30
Rob Morrison
I love Regatta's & have never been to Newfoundland & I was born in Nova Scotia.
I could meet some family that I have never met so that would be a bonus as well.
Posted on January 5, 2012 - 04:16
Linda Squires
I have not been to the regatta since leaving newfoundland in 1979...I so remember how excited I would be....those are memories that make me yearn to be there on the rock.....
Posted on October 22, 2011 - 18:56
Juanita Froggatt
I have been attending the regatta since I was a little girl. Now I volenteer there at one of the vendors. Its been a tradition I looked forward to every year and now I get to take my three children there. They love it and its such a good experience for them.
Posted on October 15, 2011 - 06:48
Paul Crotty
Great celebration, fun for all.
Posted on October 12, 2011 - 10:44
Janine Brophy
Nothing better than playing Regatta Roulette! You go out to the numerous concerts, parties and shows scheduled for the Tuesday night before, and hope the weather holds out so that you have a holiday on Wednesday. Bad weather = a lot of hungover people at work :) This is one of the very few holidays around the world that changes based on the weather!
Posted on October 4, 2011 - 10:50
Carol Ann Miller
It is a great time with all the attractions between the cash/toy wheels and the beer tent. Also while you go through all of this you can watch all the boat racing during the day both Male and Female. It is a great social event so come, come all to enjoy this day with all the Newf's.
Posted on October 3, 2011 - 07:23
Sandi Hymans
Party,Party Party - Sounds like the best place to be - I want to go there!
Posted on October 2, 2011 - 12:48
Lisa Grillo
PEI would be a nice place to visit - never been.
Posted on September 30, 2011 - 13:46
Raelynn Motilaga
Just going to another province is Canada and enjoy their Traditions and Festivals are totally awesome. Seeing what has happened in the past and now in the present time is wonderful. That all provinces can keep up with traditions and heritage of days gone by is amazing to see and be apart of.
Posted on September 26, 2011 - 21:05
Susan Gallant
How many festivals are there where if you wake up on fesival day and it's raining, festival is postponed so you go to work, and the next day of sunshine it's officially a holiday!!
Many memories of Regatta, some of my own from childhood and now the ones I get to make with my girls each year.
Posted on September 26, 2011 - 18:00
Ellen Power
Love the Regatta. Lots of fun and lots of interesting things to see.
Posted on September 22, 2011 - 04:49
PENNY SIKORA
it looks like fun
Posted on September 19, 2011 - 18:20
Wanda Shute
Love the Regatta!!Rain or shine, if I was able, I was going. Every since a little child, I can remember the excitement of waiting to go the Regatta. Trying my "luck", to win. Didn't matter what the prize was, it was the fun that kept me trying.
The one time a year, when you get to meet up with people you haven't seen in years. Now miles away from HOME :(, I plan my visits back home to coincide with the Regatta and the festivities leading up to the Regatta.
Good Luck to the Regatta, I hope you make it out as #1!!
Posted on September 16, 2011 - 18:56
Debbie Abbott
Every year when I was young, I used to go to the regatta at least 2 times that day. I used to take my brother, who was sick and could not handle the excitement of the Regatta to much, (that would be early in the morning). I would then, go with with friends later in the day. WHen I had children, I would go early in the morning with my brother, in the middle of the day with my kids, and then in the evening, just before the last race with my best friend. Once, when I was a young girl,I went in the evening with my friend, and on the way home I bent down to tie my sneeker, and when I stopped a 20 dollar bill, neatly folder, was laying on my sneeker.....I could not believe it, I was so excited, being a young girl, $20.00 was a lot to me .
Posted on September 7, 2011 - 12:18
Sharon Tompkins
Sounds like a truly family-oriented day.
Posted on September 5, 2011 - 06:57
dorothy parker
some things don't change, they just get better.
Posted on September 5, 2011 - 04:38
Burton Allen
One of the best things that make The Royal St. John's Regatta special. the anticipation of whether it will go ahead, everybody wondering if they will have to go to work. it makes people think about it even if they don't go watch it. it is very unique.
Posted on August 30, 2011 - 10:29
Audrey Grantham
When we lived in St John's in the 1950's, we always walked to the Regatta, from Whiteway Street. It was an exciting part of our life there, getting together with other families to make a picnic day of it. It has been quite a few years since I attended the regatta, and this would make a great opportunity to take part again.
Posted on August 28, 2011 - 15:27
kristen park
I remember the first time I went to st johns, my grandparents took me and my sister down to watch regatta we was so excited.. Seeing all the crouds down by the water watching the races. Smelling all the fantastic smells coming from so many booths.to me as a child it was a dream come true,it was my first time ever to a festival.
Posted on August 17, 2011 - 08:01
Morris Elfenbaum
It may be number 2 in Canada but it is number one with me
Posted on August 7, 2011 - 21:45
Bonita Oneill
i love the regatta, when i was young my sister and i had to weed the potatoe garden, at 5 cents a drill, to make money for the regattea, we use to have a ball, buying junk food, now i go just to met up with some people, to have a few spins on the wheel, buy food, and end up at beer tent. watch the races and listen on small radio, its all so exciting!
Posted on August 7, 2011 - 14:54
Katherine Manuel
I started going to the Regatta a few years back when my daughter rowed for the NL Career Academy. I enjoyed it very much and now make it a thing to do every August even though I have to travel for 3-4 hours to get there.
Posted on August 7, 2011 - 13:36
Pearl George
Great day
Posted on August 6, 2011 - 06:53
Patricia Pittman
Many,many years ago when I was a small child, my Uncle Leo always had a booth at the regatta he was the very first one to introduce a deep fryer to the Regatta so everyone could enjoy a plate of french fries. Those were the good old days.
Posted on August 4, 2011 - 07:47
John Harvey
Regatta Day is truly a Newfoundland experience.
It starts with the anticipation of the GO/NO-GO decision in the wee hours of first light (which determines whether the day is a provincial holiday or not). Then everyone has a thought and comment as to how the day's winds and weather will affect the race times and the final outcome. The excitement and partly-like atmosphere builds through the day for those at pond-side and listening around the world. There is surprise at the "...never thought they'd win." to "...told ya so!" as the results become known.
There are other regatta's around the world - but none like the Royal Newfoundland Regatta!
Posted on August 3, 2011 - 20:42
Cecilia Dodge
It is a fun time for gathering together and seeing the city come together as one big family with the opportunity to take in the oldest sporting events in the world. Also the opportunity to meet old and new friends and family get together with those who are spreads across this great country of our.. And also the chance to meet our Provincial and Federal polticians especially when it might be an election year..
Posted on August 3, 2011 - 20:41
Kim Henderson
I rowed in the Regatta in the late 80's for three years. 6 man fixed seat.. Absolutely loved it....I live elsewhere in Canada now but I try to get back to St. John's in August so I can go to the Regatta. My sons now are interested in it!
Posted on August 3, 2011 - 18:57
John "Jackie" Barrett
Never saw the Royal St. John's Regatta, but as a former Nova Scotian turned proud Newfoundlander and Labradorian, this event is definitely one of Canada's best festivals.
Posted on August 3, 2011 - 18:24
Alex Brennan
Great time for a young family!
Posted on August 3, 2011 - 15:55
Sheila Forristall
I have always looked forward to the Regatta until I moved away in 1989.
Posted on August 3, 2011 - 13:10
John Raymond
The Regatta has always been a special event for me
Posted on August 3, 2011 - 12:53
Jill Yetman
The Royal St. Johnn's Regetta is a great event! I love watching the rowing and being with family and friends!
Having a great day with fmaily and friends!
Posted on August 3, 2011 - 11:33
Stephanie Luedee
The Regatta has always held a special place in my heart ever since I was a child. When I was small, I received my favorite stuffed animal from a friend of our family from the Regatta, and that special bear has been a "friend" of mine since I was 6 months old. As a child I would have a birthday party for my bear every Regatta day.
As I grew up I would go to the Regatta with my Mom and Grandmother, and we never missed a day. Now living on the mainland I stream VOCM over my computer and listen to the stroke by stroke coverage. I just wish I could watch it on tv! The Royal St.John's Regatta is by far the best festival to attend!
Posted on August 3, 2011 - 10:33
Regina Healey
The Regatta has always been a special event for me. As a child, the highlight of the summer was going to the Regatta. Seeing the races, playing the games, and just being a part of the crowd was pure bliss. I saved my money all year so I could buy tickets on the wheels of chance.... etc. The money wheel, the chocolate wheel, the stuffed animals, ring toss and milk jug throws, darts, and the one I remember so well was the one with rabbit and trying to draw him over to nibble on the carrot with my number so I could win ! Wonderful fun memories. Seeing old friends and family and celebrating the success of the races was just pure excitement.
I never missed a Regatta until I got married. I missed the Regatta in 1970 because friends teased me that it was no longer Regatta Day for me but Regretta Day !!!
I ,in fact , got married on August 5th... which was Regatta Day that year. I moved to Ontario where I lived for 33 years. We took holidays in August so I bring my kids home to share in the festivities of The Regatta Day. Regatta Day will always will hold a special place in my heart.
Posted on August 3, 2011 - 08:29
Terry Williams
The Oldest Organizes Sporting Event In North America.What else can I say The Royal St. John's Regatta ROCKS !.
Posted on August 2, 2011 - 16:27
Ronnie Gosse
the best in north america , never miss the regatta good times had by all
Posted on August 2, 2011 - 12:38
Laura Sharpe
The Royal St. Johnn's Regetta is a great event! I love watching the rowing and being with family and friends!
Praying for sun and no wind!!!
Posted on August 2, 2011 - 07:32
Andrea Power
I have been rowing for almost a decade - there's nothing better than being involved in the oldest sport in North America! The Races, the Games, the people! It's a great tradition in NL and one of the highlights of our summer!!!
Posted on August 1, 2011 - 09:32
Kimberly Drodge
an amazing day with great people and great fun!
Posted on July 31, 2011 - 08:21
sara brown
Spectacular races and an amazing fun day for the whole family!
Posted on July 30, 2011 - 09:29
Pauline Clarke
A great part of Newfoundland's history!
Posted on July 29, 2011 - 06:05
Sherry Anne Jones
Never miss the Regatta! Great food, company and rowing! See you there! :)
Posted on July 29, 2011 - 02:28
Robin Loder
I just love heading down to the pond to catch the races and try my hand at the games of chance. I have been going there since I was a little kid and my parents or grandparents would take me.
Posted on July 29, 2011 - 01:58
Joanne Barnes
My first pony ride was at the Regatta. I still have the picture my mother took of me that day. I still enjoy heading down to the pond to watch the races and try my luck on the wheels of chance!
Posted on July 28, 2011 - 06:00
camille rose
Certainly a great part of Newfoundland's history!
Posted on July 28, 2011 - 04:00
Muriel Gosse
this is a great sport looking forward to being there if i can
Posted on July 27, 2011 - 07:01
Darrin Feehan
This is the oldest continuous sporting event & festival in North America. This year (2011) is the 193rd running of the Royal St. John's Regatta. http://www.stjohnsregatta.org/
I grew up attending as a child, participated as an oarsman for almost 20 years, and now bring my kids. There literally is something there for everyone. Races (fixed seat racing shells), games of chance, pony rides, bouncy castles, hotdogs, hamburgers, fries, beer tent, lunch time concert and the list goes on...you have to experience it for yourself!!!
Posted on July 27, 2011 - 06:35
CoraLee Taylor
I live in Winnipeg. I went to my first NL Reggata when I was 13. I was visiting my family out there. It was the best time. I got to go again in 2010 with my cousin. We had a great time spending the day together. I would love to go every year if I could. Its SO much fun.
Posted on February 19, 2012 - 19:22