Schuylkill Banks Regatta
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Special Features of the Schuylkill Banks Regatta 05
The River
The lower banks of the Schuylkill River, between the Fairmount Dam and the Delaware, is an eight-mile stretch of potential and opportunity. Long neglected and densely urban, this section of the Schuylkill is now envisioned as a premier destination for living, working and having fun in Philadelphia. With its bends, historic bridges, historic sites and grand, sweeping views of the city, the river offers a great venue for rowers and an exciting event for attendees.
The Races
The Regatta is the first ever rowing competition to be held on the lower Schuylkill. It is also the only Henley -style race in Philadelphia. The Henley Regatta, in London, is famous for its, "head to head" races. The competition is exciting as it shows off the ability of two boats to race head to head. Most of the races in the upper Schuylkill feature up to 6 boats racing in lanes. The Henley-style race offers dramatic and exciting finishes.
The Rowers
As Philadelphia's newest regatta, it is also the only one to bring all levels of competition together in one event: high school, collegiate, and masters. The Regatta also offers rowers who miss out on the opportunity to race in the famous Head of the Charles in Boston (scheduled for the same weekend) a chance to compete and an exciting alternative.
The Partners
Founded in 1858, the Schuylkill Navy is the governing body of amateur racing in Philadelphia. A nonprofit organization, they lead and manage some of the oldest and largest rowing regattas in the world. They are providing the logistical expertise for the regatta, including timing, judging, rowers, boats, and all facets of the race. The Schuylkill River Development Corporation( SRDC), is the lead organization for the development of Schuylkill Banks as the newest riverfront destination in Philadelphia.
The Event
Races, Family Programs, Entertainment and Much More……
On the Race Day, attendees will be able see the race in two special viewing areas: the Finish Line (at Race Street) and Family Circle (Walnut Street). Throughout the event, there will be entertainment, walking tours and children's activities. In addition to product samplings, vendors will be hand with refreshments. The Finish Line will offer dramatic views of the race finish with a backdrop of the city skyline. In Family Circle, picnic tables will be available for families and visitors to bring their own lunch and enjoy the race with sweeping views of the river.
University Avenue bridge, with the Schuylkill Expressway in the background.
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