What is the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta?
How much do you know about the Head of the Schuylkill regatta? One of the most prominent regattas worldwide, the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta was founded back in 1970 by three members of the University Barge Club. Lyman Perry, Jay Pattison, and Rail Betancourt were keen to provide rowers of any age a congenial autumn competition.
The three founders decided upon a new fall race located within Philadelphia's Boathouse Row, turning the 1000-meter Graduate Sculls competition into a head racing format. This format allowed competitors to race the clock across the 1000-meter course to try and achieve the fastest time.
In the first Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, just twelve women took part. However, that figure was 3,200 in the 2013 edition.
The spirit of inclusion has continued to grow in the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, as adaptive and recreational athletes are now allowed to compete as well.
While the Regatta began in 1970, it was only named the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta in 1975, after Thomas Ekins, a Philadelphia painter. Eakins was well known for his work painting scullers on the Schuylkill River.
The Format of the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta
Due to the popularity of the event growing rapidly, the format switched to a two-day event in 2008. This move opened the event up for even more racing, and the new format allowed the Regatta to be marketed as a full weekend event in Philadelphia.
Within the new format, college crews competed on Saturdays alongside elite and master's rowers. Any remaining elite and master's rowers competed on Sunday, alongside high-school and veteran rowers.
The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta 2022
As well as hosting thousands of rowers this year, the 22' Regatta will play host to 20,000 - 30,000 eager spectators on the 29th and 30th of October.
With that crowd volume, it is no surprise that the Regatta is deemed one of the nation's premier rowing events.
Regatta Clothing
As you can see, the Regatta event is one of the biggest of its kind, so if you are looking to compete in this prestigious competition, it is important that you have the correct rowing apparel.
To make sure you look and feel the part, be sure to check out our range of pro-quality men's unisuits and women's unisuits, to ensure you get the most out of your weekend of rowing.
