Organizers are putting the final pieces together as the Royal St. John’s Regatta will get underway Wednesday morning – weather depending.

The 208th rowing opens this year with more groups from around the world now showing an interest in getting involved with the event – including a second Ukrainian team.

Regatta President Keith White says his goal is to build the regatta to include newer and younger rowers.

“We’re starting to see a bit of a resurgence again, a lot of newer, younger crews as opposed to senior crews,” he said, “We’re putting an extra effort this fall and winter into, ultimately, trying to further grow fixed-seat rowing going into the schools, partnering with local service groups, partnering with the Association for New Canadians.”