The Philadelphia Cup Regatta returns! Spectator-friendly sailboat racing on the Delaware River

The Philadelphia Cup Regatta returns! Spectator-Friendly sailboat racing on the Delaware River

by Carol Bareuther May 20 23:41 UTC
May 25, 2024

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Join us for the return of the Philadelphia Cup Regatta this Saturday, May 25th. Back after a nearly decade-long hiatus and hosted by Liberty Sailing Club, entry is open to the following classes: J27, J22, Lightning, Flying Scot, Mariner, V15, Laser, Sunfish as well as PHRF Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker classes. Entry fees are $65 for dinghies and $75 for keelboats through May 24, with a last-minute entry fee of $85 on May 25. This fee includes a light breakfast for participants, a skipper's bag per boat, and launching service for one-design boats (Sunfish, Laser, Flying Scot and Lightening) at the Independence Seaport Museum. Boat slips are available at Penn's Landing Marina, Pier 3 Marina and Wiggins Park Marina. Participants will check in at the Independence Seaport Museum. The regatta will be governed by the 2022-2024 Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS), including US Sailing regulations, unless modified by the Sailing Instructions.

“I’m excited to see this regatta brought back to life and to be part of the sailing club that makes it happen,” said Caitlin Youngster, the immediate past commodore of the Liberty Sailing Club in 2016, last year , took part in this event for the first time it was held, and will race again on Saturday in a J/27. “The Delaware River is such an important part of Philadelphia’s original and modern history, and it is magical to experience the city from this perspective. If you are a sailor in the region, regardless of your experience, I recommend you get out sailing! The regatta is fun, accessible to sailors of all levels and a way to connect with people who share a love of life on the water, not to mention the spectacular views of the city, bridges and the developing waterfront.”

Nearly two dozen boats are already ready to launch from the starting line in front of Penn's Landing to race buoys and tackle currents, competitors and wind in the Delaware River. Five entries represent the Riverton Yacht Club in Riverton, NJ, with a nice mix of a C&C 30 and C&C 29-2, two J/24s and a 22' Cape Dory Typhoon senior.

“The Riverton Yacht Club is pleased that Liberty Sailing Club is reviving the Philadelphia Cup this year. The Philly Cup is the only event that brings our local yacht clubs together on the Delaware River, benefiting racing and connecting the greater sailing community. We are also encouraged by Liberty “The sailing club is taking a long-term view so that the Philadelphia Cup is re-established as an annual event,” says Patrick Curran, commodore of the Riverton Yacht Club.

The first start is at 10:30 a.m., the last race starts at 3:30 p.m. at the latest. There will then be an awards ceremony at the mouth of the Sea Philly River Cruising Tours at 5:30 p.m., where the names of all class winners will be engraved in The Philadelphia Cup. A reception will follow on board the historic tall ship Gazela Primeeiro.

“The Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild and Philadelphia’s tall ship Gazela Primeiro are proud to support the return of this exciting event. With its rich maritime history and breathtaking ambience, Gazela offers an unparalleled venue for this year's reception, the perfect place to bring together traditional boating enthusiasts and racing enthusiasts after an exciting day at the regatta,” says Gina Pickton, treasurer of the organization. ” This is the first event of the Gazela season where visitors can look forward to free deck tours, concerts, receptions and even training courses for volunteer crew members.”Philadelphia, Pennsylvania After a nearly decade-long hiatus, the Philadelphia Cup Regatta returns Memorial Day weekend , May 25, 2024. This highly anticipated event, hosted by the Liberty Sailing Club (LSC) at the Independence Seaport Museum, will feature racing on the Delaware River against the breathtaking backdrop of the skyline of Philadelphia compete and cheer at Penn's Landing. Participation is open to the following classes: J27, J22, Lightning, Flying Scot, Mariner, V15, Laser, Sunfish and all other PHRF spinnaker and non-spinnaker classes. The first start is at 10:30 a.m., the last race starts at 3:30 p.m. at the latest. An awards ceremony follows, with each class winner having their name engraved on the Philadelphia Cup, which is permanently displayed at the Independence Seaport Museum.

“Join us in celebrating the return of the Philadelphia Cup, the ultimate sailing regatta that unites clubs from across the region! “Everything from nimble dinghies to majestic keelboats with a variety of sailors will be represented at the racing events,” invites Laura Ness, regatta director and LSC board member, of the directors. “At the end of the day's exciting racing, the after-party at the Maritime Museum of Philadelphia takes center stage and adds a touch of nautical history to the evening. This iconic venue in Penn's Landing is a long-time partner of past Cups and we're thrilled to continue the tradition again this year.”