Sailboat racing will take center stage on the Delaware River this Saturday, September 27, as the Philadelphia Cup Regatta brings an impressive fleet of keelboats and dinghies to Penn’s Landing. Presented by Sea Philly and the Independence Seaport Museum, the annual event blends competitive sailing with a uniquely urban waterfront setting.
More than a dozen boats are already registered, including the Liberty Sailing Club’s fleet of seven J/27s plus a mix of J/22s, J/24s, an S2, a Cape Dory 27, an O’Day 240, and other classes. The regatta welcomes one-design fleets such as Lightning, Flying Scot, Mariner, V15, Laser and Sunfish, along with PHRF-handicap boats in both Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker divisions. Late registration is open through race day at philadelphiacupregatta.com.
Competitor check-in begins at the Independence Seaport Museum with the first gun at 11 a.m. Races will be set just north of the Ben Franklin Bridge or south toward the U.S. Coast Guard base, making the courses easily visible from the shore. Spectators can enjoy close-up views of boats rigging, launching, and rounding marks against the backdrop of Philadelphia’s skyline.
Veteran and first-time participants alike are eager to line up. “This is the coolest sailing venue,” says George Bader, defending his Spinnaker-Racing Class title aboard his J/24 Knight Errant. “I always tell my friends and family this is the easiest place to watch sailboat racing from land.”
Chris DeBruyn, racing his J/22 Swivet, adds, “The opportunity arose to sail in the Philadelphia Cup Regatta, and we decided to take it. It’s a good thing, and something I think we’ll do more often.”
An awards ceremony and reception will follow on the historic tall ship Gazela from 6 to 10 p.m., where each class champion’s name will be engraved on the Philadelphia Cup.
The regatta coincides with the Delaware River Festival, also on September 27 at Penn’s Landing and at Wiggins Park in Camden. The free festival features environmental exhibits, hands-on activities, a bird show, and pedal boat rides. The Independence Seaport Museum and RiverLink Ferry will also be free during festival hours.
For information on registration, slips, or spectator options, visit philadelphiacupregatta.com.
