Hyflodraulic Limited, Fine Strokes are the new Royal St. John's Regatta champs

As the HyflodraulicLimited women's team flew toward the finish line Wednesday evening at theRoyal St. John's Regatta, the unimaginable happened.

Rower Teresa Butlersaid she nearly fainted when she realized her oar had snapped in half.

Luckily, their boatwasfar enough ahead that nobody could catch them.

HyflodraulicLimited took the Regatta women's titlewith a final race time of 5:02.23.

The Fine Strokes Plasterand Painting men's team, formerly the Outer Cove men's team, took home gold medals with a final race time of9:04.71.

In the women's race, the Cahill Group, last year's third-place finishers, was second. Steers Insurance, last year's fourth-place finishers, was third.

The second- and third-place teams in the men's race also saw some gains over last year. Belforfinished second, up from fourth in 2018, and NTV took bronze, up from fifth.

The M5 women's team set a new course record of4:56.10 last year in their morning run. They didn't compete in this year's race, throwing the door wide open for a new women's title.

A first time for gold

In her 15-year rowing career, Butler has been on a number of second-place teams.

"Always the bridesmaid, never the bride!" she said.

She hoisted the championship trophy for the very first time Wednesday night, along withherHyflodraulicLimited teammates Tracy Roche, Wendi Young, Amanda Butland, Jenni Wadden and coxswainCraig Whittle.

"I'm on Cloud 9," she said.

Justin Trudeau on the pond

The centuries-old event attracted a high-profile name early in the day. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived pondsidelate Wednesday morning.

The PM took manyphotos with people, but didn't take questions from reporters.

Many people appeared excited to shake hands or take a selfie with the prime minister. Other reactions included "Lovely teeth he has" and "I met his father before."

Another person wasn't as complimentary and demanded an apology for all the years "Quebec has screwed us." Trudeau didn't respond and kept moving through the crowd.

Trudeau was an official guest starter for one of the racesand attended a private luncheon hosted by the Regatta committee.

Perfect snacking conditions

In an unusual turn for the Regatta, winds stayed lowthroughout the day, barely hitting 15km/h.

It was bright and sunny, but not scorching, which made for optimal snacking and strolling conditions.

The Quidi Vidilakeside has undergone$2.7 million in renovationsover the last year, with work finishing just in the nick of time for the event. Additions includea new winner's circle for the victorious rowing crews.

On top of that, this year the beer tent is under new management.

Strolling the pond

What can you do with $20 at the Regatta?Zach Goudieand Katie Breenfoundout!Watch the replay below.

Showus your best lakeside photos (especially if they're of delicious pondsideeats) using#cbcnlon Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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