Dad Vail Regatta leaving Philly for New Jersey

Post date: Nov 19, 2009 3:05:37 PM

The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA - A college rowing event that has been held in Philadelphia for more than a half-century is moving to New Jersey for 2010. Spokesman Harry Stinger confirms Tuesday that next May's Dad Vail Regatta will be held 90 miles northeast of Philadelphia in Rumson, N.J. Organizers say city costs have doubled and corporate donations have dipped, and Rumson offered to contribute $250,000 to next year's race. John Ekdahl, mayor of the Monmouth County town, says officials are thrilled and think the event will benefit Rumson and other towns along the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers. Stinger says the Dad Vail was actually held in Rumson one year in the 1930s. Held in Philadelphia since 1953, the two-day event attracted 122 schools last year and draws about 30,000 to 35,000 spectators.

The GTCA isn't sure yet how this will affect our plans of having a spectator tent for alumni at the regatta... but you can be sure that we will make it work! The good news is that Rumson, NJ is only about an hour from Philly AND New York City. So perhaps our alumni friends in both places will join us in the middle for a good time!