Regatta History - Early Days

 It all began in the ‘Blockhouse’ in 1963 under the first President, Mr. Tom Hickey, as the first wooden shells rowed up the Southeast Arm and back.  The event moved to its’ present home in Bond’s Path just a year later. 

The Regatta Site itself has attracted thousands of visitors and water enthusiasts for decades. Many local businesses, including restaurants, accommodations businesses, gas stations, bars, and convenience stores, all benefit from the influx of athletes, along with their families & friends. The Rowing Club has endeavored to promote the facility for the benefit of these businesses and the local economy, as well as for the improvement of our community’s health and well-being. 

http://archivalmoments.ca/2013/08/06/seven-placentia-giants-at-the-regatta/

The Seven Placentia Giants--1965 - Jerseyside Crew

It was 88 years between Championships (1877 - 1965) but the Placentia Giants crew from Jerseyside brought home the spoils of victory Aug. 4, 1965 from the St. John’s Regatta.

Members of the winning crew were: Tom Traverse(Cox), Frank Traverse, Joe Traverse, Tom Gardner.  Anthony Traverse, Pat Moore, Bill Hutchings.

NAVFAC, Argentia Crew—1972

The U.S. Government was proud of their heroes and so was the Placentia area when the NAVFAC crew stroked to victory in the St.   John’s Championship in its’ 149th running of the event. They won in a time of 9:51.0 rowing in the Caribou. Members of the winning crew were: Dave Therrier, Bill Carey, Dick Drake, Dan Martin, George Freer, Gary Miller, and cox, Tom Traverse.

Placentia Lions Crew---1976/’77

There have been many great rowers from the area, especially from Bond’s-Path-Southeast and Point Verde. This was certainly proven true in 1976 when the Placentia Lion’s crew captured the first-ever Triple Crown of Rowing. It meant they had won the Championship in all three Regattas (Placentia, Harbour Grace, and St. John’s. Members of the winning crew were: Frank Lannon, Brendan Whittle, Leo Collins, Gerard Barron, Tom Whittle, and Clem Whittle, with cox, Adrian O’Keefe. 

1977, the Placentia Lions Club crew carried a regatta boat to St John’s as their forefathers did in 1877.  They won the Triple Crown again that year, making it the second consecutive time for them.  This was the first time in Newfoundland Rowing History for such an accomplishment.  Members of the winning crew were:  Tom Whittle, Gerard Barron, Brendan Whittle, Anthony Whittle, Frank Lannon, Leo Collins, and cox, Adrian O’Keefe.

The Whittles--1978

The Whittles were the first and only all-family crew ever to row in the Placentia Regatta. They won the Men’s Championship in that year (1978).

The crew consisted of:

Pius Whittle - Cox/Father

And brothers:

Tom, Tony, Alvin, Brendan, Ray, Clem