While rowing matches on St. John's Harbor date back to the 1700s, this marks the first time an organized race is documented in the region.
Prince Albert Edward attends the races. To this day, Regatta Day is among the races always attended by members of the British monarchy.
Regatta Day temporarily moves from August to July to accommodate the visit of Prince Phillip and Queen Elizabeth II.
Regatta Day is given the Royal designation in 1993 to respect the close relationship between Canada and the British monarchy.