One of the most popular sporting and social events on the St. John’s summer calendar is becoming gender blind, and creating a new category.

The Royal St. John’s Regatta will have a race labelled “Open Crew” which means gender will have no influence on the composition of the crew.

The Regatta Committee calls it an important moment in its history as it will be the first time there is a registration option for persons who identify as nonbinary.

Keith White, Vice-President of the Regatta, says Open Crews will compete in the short course. The category will be open to rowers who are registered in another category.

He says St. John’s Pride approached them last fall about the creation of such a category.

White says he has heard for a long time from people interested in entering mixed teams.

Derby Day this year falls on Wednesday, July 30 instead of the first Wednesday in August because of the Canada Summer Games.