It's a go! After day of delay, 204th Royal St. John's Regatta gets the green light

The 204th Royal St. John's Regatta went ahead Thursday, after a 5:30 a.m. announcement by regatta committee vice-president and captain of the course Ashley Peach.

After a short deliberation, Peach said the regatta committee voted to proceed with the event, triggering the weather-dependent St. John's holiday. The regatta committee postponed the event Wednesday because winds were set to reach 20 km/h gusting to 40 km/h. The event goes ahead only if the committee determines weather conditions are appropriate for rowing on Quidi Vidi Lake. 

Environment Canada is forecasting periods of drizzle Thursday morning and a mix of sun and cloud later in the day, with winds of 20 km/h. Temperatures are set to reach 27 C, with a humidex of 30.

Peach said Thursday morning she's hopeful lower wind speeds and gusts will make for better rowing conditions than on Wednesday.

"The decision this morning was a lot easier," she said.

Peach said rowers are prepared for the higher temperatures, but spectators should remember to bring water and seek shade during the hot part of the day. She suggested attending the event earlier in the morning, when the temperature is cooler.

St. John Ambulance will located around the lake to help in case of emergencies.

This year, the event will include 71 teams and 20 races. The 2022 regatta will also mark the first time women will row the 2.45-kilometre long course.

The first race began around 8:20 a.m. with two senior women's races, followed by two senior men's races.

Since 1816, the long course has been reserved for men, but this year that changes, with four women's teams set to compete in the long course. 

"Certainly, it will be a great historical event down here at Quidi Vidi Lake today," Peach said. "There