The Royal Newfoundland Regatta, which takes place on Quidi Vidi Lake in St. John’s, is the oldest sporting event in North America, and probably one of the few that depends entirely on the weather!
It is said to have originated in sometime in18th century when ships docked in the harbour would have their crews compete for sport.
Not always an annual event, it is scheduled for the first Wednesday in August, And there are some other rather unusual aspects to this occasion, that is also a civic holiday
It is the only civic holiday in North America to be declared by a committee of persons not associated with a government body. It is the only civic holiday that depends on good weather, and this year, during what has been a cold and miserable summer, the day was perfect for a regatta.
This regatta is one of the last fixed seat rowing competitions in the world, and the only one that teams have to round buoys and return to the start line in order to finish the race.
Next year will be the 200th anniversary of the regatta.
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