News, Sports August 5th, 2026As expected, it was an exciting start to the day at the 208th running of the Royal St. John’s Regatta in St. John’s. Volkswagen St. John’s, the defending women’s champions were the fastest crew to start the day, crossing the finish line in a time of five minutes and seven seconds. Smith Stockley, who defeated Volkswagen to win the Placentia Regatta just last week, finished second this morning in a time of 5:16. That sets the stage for what should be an exciting women’s championship race tonight. It has earned royal distinction and, for more than two centuries, generations of rowers have helped make the Royal St. John’s Regatta one of the most prestigious and well-known rowing events in North America.