The Royal St. John’s Regatta is celebrating two separate anniversaries of women rowing with some changes.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of competitive female participation in the Regatta; and the 40th anniversary of the first female championship race.

With that comes two changes.

The previously named “Female Course” is now called the Half Course (at 1.225 km) and the “Male Course” is now called the Full Course (at 2.45 km).

As well, an update to the Regatta Day schedule has been implemented where the female and male races will mimic the morning races by rotating each year.

The Regatta Committee says the largest demographic of Regatta athletes is female, and they continue to make strides to ensure all participants are recognized equally.