2020 REGATTA CANCELLED

The 2020  Royal St. John’s Regatta  has been officially cancelled. Its the first time in 80 years the premier rowing regatta in Newfoundland and Labrador has been cancelled. 

HERE ARE SOME INTERESTING FACTS REGARDING THE REGATTA 

The races of 1818 were held on September 22 in order to coincide with the 57th anniversary of King George III‘s official coronation on September 22, 1761. It is from this date that the Regatta Committee takes its anniversary. In August 2018 the Royal St. John’s Regatta celebrated its 200th anniversary.

From 1861 to 1870 there were no Regattas held due to political and religious strife within the country of Newfoundland. It was feared that such a gathering would instigate riot and unrest among the many peoples of the country leading to more turmoil and anger.

After the fire of 1892, there was no Regatta held because the shores of Quidi Vidi were used as temporary housing for those who lost their homes.

In 1914 the Regatta was held, but was blackened by the news that war had erupted in Europe, and that Newfoundlanders would be shipping overseas to aid in the war effort with Britain. Out of respect for those fighting in the war, no Regattas were held from 1915 to 1918. There was no event again in 1940, continuing with the theme of “No Regatta during War time”. However, American, Canadian and Newfoundland military commanders believed that it would be an excellent distraction from the war and a perfect opportunity to keep their men in shape by continuing with the Regatta, and it was subsequently reinstated in 1941.