Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

July 2, 2026 (St. John’s, NL) – The Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee is pleased to announce three new inductees into the Regatta Hall of Fame: Paul Power, in the category of Coach/ Coxswain; and The Honourable Siobhan Coady and Bernard “Tanny” Collins, in the category of Builder.

“The Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee is honoured to announce the induction of three exceptional individuals into our Hall of Fame,” said Keith White, President of the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee. “Honouring those who have given so much to the Royal St. John’s Regatta and the sport of fixed-seat rowing, is not only an important part of remembering our past but also a source of inspiration for our future”.

The 2026 Royal St. John’s Regatta Hall of Fame Committee is comprised of Don Kelly (Chair), Bob Whelan (Secretary), Brian Madore, Gail Malone, Chris Neary, Don Power, Mike Power, Wayne Purchase, and Noelle Thomas-Kennell.

“It is the honour of the Hall of Fame Committee to recognize those distinguished individuals who have contributed in the most significant of ways to the Royal St. John’s Regatta,” said Don Kelly, Chair. “Each year we are reminded of the countless ways individuals have given of themselves in the name of the sport and event they love.”

The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be hosted by the City of St. John’s on Wednesday, July 29^th, 2026.

The Royal St. John’s Regatta is the oldest continuing organized sporting event in North America, with 2026 marking the organizations’ 208^th anniversary. More information about the Royal St. John’s Regatta, including details regarding operations, learn to row programs, learn to coxswain programs, and resources on how to establish a rowing team can be found at www.stjohnsregatta.com

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Media Contact:

Keith White

President, Royal St. John’s Regatta

[email protected]

T: (709) 693-2722

BACKGROUNDER

The Hall of Fame Committee puts out a call for nominations in the spring of each year. The three categories are Rower/Crew, Coach/Coxswain, and Builder. The Committee receives and reviews applications, and certificates are presented at a special luncheon the week before the Regatta.

The Regatta Hall of Fame was established in 1987 with three objectives:

The first is to recognize, honour and pay tribute to individuals or crews based on ability, sportsmanship, character and achievement or extraordinary distinction in fixed seat rowing, whether amateur or professional.

The second is to recognize, honour and pay tribute to those individuals, groups or associations who have given distinguished service and who have made a major contribution to the development and advancement of fixed seat rowing in Newfoundland.

And the third is to encourage the development of all aspects of fixed seat rowing by permanently recording the achievements and history of such individuals, groups, associations, or crews.

The 208^thRoyal St. John’s Regatta presented by Suncor will take place on Wednesday, August 5^th, 2026 (weather permitting). Additional information about the Regatta can be found at www.stjohnsregatta.com.

BIOGRAPHIES

Paul Power

Paul Power has been active in the sport of rowing for almost four decades, beginning in 1988 and continuing to the present in roles as a coxswain and coach.

He began in rowing before moving into coxswain and coaching roles, working primarily with female and male youth crews. Early in his career, crews he coxed progressed to winning races at Placentia, Harbour Grace, and the Royal St. John’s Regatta. He first appeared in a championship race as a coxswain in 1996 before focusing primarily on coaching.

Coaching Achievements:

1999: Won Female Championship with “Keyin College”
2001: Won Female Triple Crown with “Keyin College”
2001: Coached “Academy Canada” Male Intermediate crew to a race record
2004: Won Female Triple Crown with “Jungle Jim’s”
2005: Won Male Championship with “Independent”
2008: Won Male Triple Crown with “O’Dea Earle”

He coached and mentored numerous Canada Games crews, both female and male, to championships and results beginning in 2005.

Additional performance highlights include achieving elite times with crews:

2007: “Exit Realty” male crew recorded 9:00.
2011: “Roebothan McKay Marshall” female crew recorded 5:00.

Slide Seat Coaching and Development:

Coached Team NL at Atlantic and National levels from 1996–2002 with medal results.

Coached Team NL at the Canada Games in 1997 and 2001.
Selected to coach Team Canada at the 2005 CanAmMex competition.
Coached Team NL to silver (2-) and bronze (8+) at the 2005 Canada Games.
Named Rowing Canada Coach of the Year in 2005.

Since the early 2000s, Paul has contributed to the development and advancement of rowing by mentoring athletes, coxswains, and coaches who continue to participate and achieve success at the Royal St. John’s Regatta.

Paul Power’s involvement includes participation as a coxswain and long-term service as a coach, with contributions to athlete development, competition results, and ongoing involvement in rowing.

The Honourable Siobhan Coady

Siobhan Coady has demonstrated long-standing involvement with the Royal St. John’s Regatta as a rower, committee member, and builder. Her contributions reflect sustained participation and leadership across multiple areas of the organization.

Participation and Early Involvement (1979 – 1986):

Rowed competitively, stroking female crews for seven seasons and competing at the championship level.

Service to the Regatta Committee (1990 – Present):

Joined the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee and served for nearly three decades.
Held roles including executive member, Vice President – Captain of the Course, and chair of multiple committees.

Leadership and Committee Roles

Chair, Junior Development Committee; led expansion of youth rowing participation.

Chair, Rules Committee; contributed to competition standards and governance.
Chair, Social Committee; contributed to Regatta events and activities.
Chair, 200th Anniversary Regatta Organizing Committee; led planning and organization of anniversary events.

Key Contributions:

Led initiatives in the 1990s to increase youth participation, expanding junior rowing opportunities and participation levels.
Played a significant role in the safety and operation of races at the “bottom of the pond,” including many years as Judge and Chief Judge.
Officiated thousands of races and contributed to maintaining fairness and safety in competition.
Contributed to governance, race operations, and committee work over multiple decades.
Participated in planning and development of Regatta initiatives, including anniversary events and organizational improvements.

Additional Contributions:

Supported development of junior rowing programs and long-term athlete participation.

Contributed to public engagement, hosting of guests, and committee activities.
Participated in fundraising, facilities improvements, and related initiatives.

Recognition:

2018 (approx.): Named Honorary Life Member of the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee.

Siobhan Coady’s involvement includes participation as a competitive rower, long-term service on the Regatta Committee, leadership in multiple roles, and continued support of the organization. Her contributions have had a sustained impact on the operation, development, and administration of the Royal St. John’s Regatta.

Bernard “Tanny” Collins

Bernard “Tanny” Collins has demonstrated long-standing involvement and service to the Royal St. John’s Regatta as a rower, committee member, and President. His contributions reflect consistent participation and support for the operation and development of the Regatta.

Participation and Early Involvement (1967 – 1972):

Rowed competitively on Quidi Vidi Lake.

Service to the Regatta Committee (1977 – 1986):

Served as committee member, treasurer, and vice president.

Leadership as President (1987 – 1988):

Served as President of the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee.

Key Contributions During Presidency:

Streamlined the reporting structure so that sub-committees reported to directors, who reported to the Executive; this system remains in use.
Supported keeping the boathouse open after Regatta Day to allow novice rowers to participate and encourage future involvement.
Established the Regatta Hall of Fame to recognize past contributors and support the future of the organization.
Introduced Honorary Life Memberships, expanding committee resources while maintaining the traditional fifty-member structure.
Created a building fund for a new boathouse; these funds contributed to the refurbishment completed in 2000.
Participated in the testing of race day shells with the Institute of Marine Dynamics (Memorial University); testing confirmed existing designs, and new shells introduced in 1991 were developed and acquired with his involvement.

Continued Involvement and Support (1989 – Present):

Continued rowing as a Master.
Remained available to the Committee for Regatta-related matters.
Provided sponsorship support through P.F. Collins, including races, crews, trophies, and equipment when required.

Recognition:

In 2024, Tanny Collins was named Honorary Life President in recognition of his past leadership and continued service to the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee.

His involvement includes participation as a competitive rower, service in multiple committee roles, leadership as President, and continued support of the Regatta over several decades. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the organization and its operation.