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The two-day Head of the Schuylkill today bears little resemblance to its 1970 roots, but the spirit of the regatta endures: a fall race showcasing crews that have come to race. Over the Oct. 24-25 weekend, over 2,000 crews will race 3,800 meters downstream on Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River, finishing just above the Sedgeley Lighthouse, which marks the beginning of Boathouse Row, a National Historic Landmark of 14 boathouses.
The University of Pennsylvania swept the men’s, women’s, and overall collegiate points last year and return this year with 26 entries. The local Quakers have four entries in the women’s championship eights and three in the men’s. Both events race on Saturday afternoon, with Sunday’s schedule featuring high school and youth events.
Defending high school men’s, women’s, and overall points trophy winner RowAmerica Rye also returns, following their women’s eights’ wins at the 2025 USRowing Youth National Championship and 2026 Head of the Charles.
“We are looking forward to a great weekend of racing against high-level competition at the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta. Beyond the opportunity to compete against strong crews, this regatta will be an important test of how well our athletes have maintained their preparation and momentum following the Head of the Charles,” said Marko Serafimovski, director of rowing and head coach of youth women. “As the fall season draws to a close, we want to see our athletes continue to build speed and demonstrate progress within the team. Staying focused, pushing their limits, and striving for continuous improvement will be key to finishing the season strong on both, boys and girls sides.”
The regatta also includes The Redgrave Challenge, singles races for college and open men and women, heavy and lightweight, in honor of Sir Steven Redgrave, the five-time Olympic champion.
