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Stotesbury Cup Regatta Canceled Due to High River Levels

High waters on the Schuylkill River prevent the Stotesbury Cup Regatta from taking place.

News Summary

The 98th annual Stotesbury Cup Regatta in Philadelphia has been canceled following dangerously high waters on the Schuylkill River. With river flow exceeding safe limits, safety concerns prompted the cancellation for over 4,000 athletes and numerous spectators. Organizers remain committed to safety, having previously canceled practice sessions under similar conditions. Although the primary events are canceled, awards will still be given based on earlier performances. This cancellation marks another weather-related disruption for this prestigious high school rowing event.

Philadelphia – The 98th annual Stotesbury Cup Regatta has been canceled due to dangerously high waters on the Schuylkill River. The decision to cancel was announced on May 17, 2025, following intense rain and storms the previous Friday that raised river levels beyond safe rowing thresholds.

Mike Murphy, the Chief of the Stotesbury Regatta, emphasized that the safety of all participants and spectators is the top priority. Rowing is prohibited under the regulations set by the Schuylkill Navy when river flow exceeds 18,000 cubic feet per second. Data from the U.S. Geological Survey indicated that the river flow peaked at over 20,000 cubic feet per second early Saturday morning, necessitating the cancellation of the event. Before this major cancellation, practice sessions were also called off on Thursday due to similarly hazardous conditions.

More than 4,000 athletes expected to compete in the regatta have been directly affected by this decision. This year’s event was anticipated to attract participants from across the United States and Canada, with an estimated 800 boats representing various high schools. The cancellation represents a significant setback for the athletes and their teams, as this prestigious regatta is recognized as the largest high school rowing event in the world.

Particularly disconcerting to rowing enthusiasts, novice rowers are advised not to participate when river flow exceeds 8,000 cubic feet per second. Experienced coaches in the Philadelphia area have remarked that the river conditions this year are among the worst observed since the 1990s. Margaret Meigs, the director of public engagement for the Schuylkill Navy, confirmed that conditions were unsafe for any watercraft, not just for competitive rowing.

Despite the cancellation of the primary racing events, organizers announced that awards will still be distributed based on team performances recorded during Friday’s time trials. The regatta typically showcases a vibrant atmosphere, lasting from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Unfortunately, with Kelly Drive, a major thoroughfare adjacent to the river, closed to facilitate the event, the cancellation has disrupted not only the competitors but also the thousands of anticipated spectators.

Normally, the regatta attracts nearly 10,000 spectators who enjoy free access to view the races with parking available at off-site lots for a fee of $20-25. This community event celebrates rowing while fostering a sense of camaraderie among competing teams and their supporters.

This cancellation adds to a history of weather-related disruptions for the Stotesbury Cup Regatta, which has faced challenges in the past from heavy fog and rainfall. Nevertheless, the organizers maintain a strong commitment to safety and often rely on input from coaches and race directors when making weather-related decisions.

The Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia, which organizes the regatta, promotes year-round safety and rowing training for student athletes. Future competitions typically follow a structured format, including finals after preliminary time trials and semifinals are completed. Last year, St. Joseph’s Prep successfully defended its title by earning the most medals in the regatta for two consecutive years, a significant achievement in high school rowing.

As athletes and coaches adapt to this highly unusual situation, the regatta’s reputation as a hallmark of high school rowing remains unshaken. With safety continuing to be the foremost concern, organizers look ahead to future events while considering the impact of weather on this cherished tradition.