Elizabeth II in 1978. It has been cancelled due to the death of any monarch, and any year a coronation has taken place or a milestone jubilee celebrated, the regatta has been held in honour of the monarch. Its royal designation was incorporated in 1993, which prompted changes in the event and the development of a new crest. Don Johnson, Frederick Russell and Geoff Carnell collaborated in the effort to get permission to use the Royal prefix for the Regatta. The first women's race in the St. John's Regatta was held in 1856. The winning crew of Quidi Vidi women was inducted into the Regatta Hall of Fame in recognition of their feat. It was nearly 100 years before women participated again. Beginning in 1949, women have rowed in nearly every Regatta, though a women's championship race was not introduced until 1979. Course records and record holders Male Course Record: 8:51.32 (Crosbie Industrial Services 2007 - Championship Race) Members: Cox: Mark Hayward Stroke: Brent Hickey 5: Adam Kavanagh 4: Ron Witten 3: Ed Williams 2: James Cadigan 1: Darryl Ryan Coach: Bert Hickey Female Course Record: 4:56.10 (M5 2018 - Amateur Race) Members: Cox: Dean Hammond Stroke: Katie Wadden 5: Alyssa Devereaux 4: Jane Brodie 3: Nancy Beaton 2: Amanda Ryan 1: Amanda Hancock Spare: Maria Clift Course Record Progression Male Female Official Race Record Times Female Male Championship Championship Crews / Times Male Female Other events Regatta Day is only officially recognized as a holiday in the city of St. John's and most retail establishments outside the city remain open that day. Some larger suburban stores mark the day with extravagant Boxing Day-style sales. See also List of Canadian organizations with royal patronage St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador Monarchy of Canada References External links Royal St. John's Regatta Official Webpage Holidays in Newfoundland and Labrador Organizations based in Canada with royal patronage Rowing competitions in Canada Sport in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador 1816 establishments in Newfoundland Recurring sporting events established in 1816 Annual sporting events in Canada Events of National Historic Significance (Canada)