The largest garden party in the province will be in full swing today with oars in the water and fast food on the plates.

Last year’s Regatta was postponed for a day because of winds but not so this year. Royal St. John’s Regatta vice-president and captain of the course, Ashley Peach, delivered the verdict at the Boathouse at 5:45 live on VOCM.

It will be a cloudy today with southwesterly winds around 20 km/h for the most part, well within the comfortable range for rowing.

Expect many close races as at least a half-dozen women’s teams are a threat to make the championship race without a significant amount of time separation, and at least three men’s crews are pretty much even. Hyflodraulic did a three-peat in the women’s championship last year in a time of 5:11.35 while NTV captured their second consecutive title in 9:40.91.

Each is in contention again this year.

Meanwhile, there’s an interesting story unfolding at the Regatta this year. The Chinese Association of Newfoundland and Labrador has a crew in the Roebothan Mckay Marshall All Comers Senior Women’s Race mid-afternoon. It’s the associations first time rowing in the history of the Regatta. Coach/coxswain Richard Bailey taught the group of newcomers the sport in just a month and a half leading up to the event.

Mike Power, who has spent the past 60 years pondside in every capacity, says they started off slow but have really improved their game. He has watched them every day and says their timing has improved immensely. He says it is remarkable to see how far the team has come.