The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, Philadelphia’s largest and most inclusive Regatta, has named RegattaCentral as their official registrar for the next five years. The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta was first launched in 1970 by three members of University Barge Club. At a time when only elite, college and junior athletes competed in “head” or distance races, the newly established HOSR emphasized graduate oarsmen and opened racing to newly emerging masters’ and women’s teams.
The regatta soon emerged as the world’s largest one-day rowing competition. By 2008, its popularity had exceeded the river’s capacity, making it necessary to add another day of racing. Since then, the regatta has grown to more than 8500 competitors in over 1,900 entries representing more than 265 clubs from twelve countries.
In 2011, the Head of the Schuylkill partnered with The Philadelphia Gold Challenge Cup Foundation to bring back the tradition known as “The Gold Cup”, in which the top amateur scullers from around the world compete against each other in sprint style races. In 2017, the partnership grew to include USRowing and The Head Of The Charles Regatta. Together, the organizations initiated the first Triple Crown of Rowing, the U.S. Lotman Challenge, to promote and further develop singles sculling in the United States.
Jennifer Wesson, Executive Director for the HOSR, is looking forward to the continued partnership with RegattaCentral. “Building a long-term relationship is an effective way to service our mutual audience. We welcome partnerships that support and grow the rowing community. The RC staff is open, responsive, and truly a pleasure to have working by our side.”
Traci Stocker, Manager of Operations at RegattaCentral, has been the Account Manager for the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta since 2012. “Not only have I been fortunate enough to work behind the scenes with the HOSR, I have attended the regatta for the past five years as well. I can tell you first hand that the Board Members and Volunteers work day and night to ensure everyone has a great experience on and off the water,” said Stocker. “From the course, lined with fall foliage, to Three Angels Statues Festival Area, all the way down to Boathouse Row, it is simply one of the most beautiful and well-run head races in the US.”
About HOSR
The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, held on Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River, is the largest regatta held in Philadelphia annually. The regatta, first organized by 3 members of the University Barge Club, was open to Women and Masters Rowers, who did not have many opportunities to row at the time. The event has grown to see 8,500 competitors in 1,900 entries who represent more than 265 clubs and 12 countries.
About RegattaCentral
RegattaCentral was started in 1999, providing online registration to just one regatta. They now serve over 400 regattas in North America, Europe and Hong Kong. RegattaCentral also provides online registration and management tools to over 220 rowing clubs and camps.