‘Largest Intercollegiate Regatta in the United States’
The Dad Vail Regatta is a rowing event that takes place on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia on the second Saturday of May annually. This event is the largest collegiate rowing event in the United States and has become a Philadelphia tradition for decades and takes place on May 10 and 11, 2019.
Dad Vail Regatta History
The Dad Vail Regatta started in 1934 with “Rusty” Callow, then coach at the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Pennsylvania as hosts. This event brought colleges and universities together to come and compete. The regatta was named after Harry Emerson “Dad” Vail, who was one of America’s early rowing coaches who coached at the University of Wisconsin-Madison between 1911 and the late 1920’s.
In choosing the name of the event, it was based on Vail’s strong beliefs and passion for a sport that was not well-recognized. In February 1939, a meeting was held and the Dad Vail Rowing Association was formed in order to help promote the race and encourage schools to compete. Women competed for the first time in 1976.
The regatta has been held annually on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia since 1953. To this day, the Dad Vail Regatta continues to inspire hundreds of colleges and universities to engage in such a meaningful event and to carry on the tradition.
Dad Vail Regatta Experience & Atmosphere
The Dad Vail Regatta is celebrating it’s 81st anniversary and attracts more than 3,000 competitors from nearly 150 colleges and universities across the country and Canada. This 2-day event also attracts about 25,000 spectators.
The race is held on the Schuylkill River in beautiful Fairmount Park, one of the most famous and scenic rowing routes in the world. Philadelphia was named in the top 10 of the best parks in the world by Frommes in March of 2012.
The actual course is 2,000 meters long and the race start line is just north of the Kelly Drive-Hunting Park Avenue intersection. The course ends at the Grand Stand finish line just above the Columbia Avenue Bridge. The course has six lanes and is an Olympic Length course. You will need to keep in mind that Kelly Drive is closed during the regatta, so you’ll need to park near Boathouse Row or the Art Museum. In which case you’ll be able to take a shuttle bus to and from the grandstands. ~ We’ll have more info soon on the shuttle buses, so check back later. ~ And remember to wear comfortable walking shoes. For those visiting Philadelphia during the 2nd weekend May, the area is great for picnicking along the banks of the Schuylkill River. All the better while watching the Dad Vail Regatta.
Location
1 Boathouse Row | Route – Kelly Drive and Strawberry Mansion Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Dates
May 10 & 11, 2019
Cost
FREE admission to the event
Phone
(215) 542-1443
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