Rumson Boat Race to Feature Five D-I Collegiate Rowing Teams

Five Division-I collegiate rowing teams will participate in this year’s 9th Annual Rumson Boat Race Collegiate Rowing Regatta, presented by Morgan Stanley, on the Navesink River in Monmouth County New Jersey, Saturday, September 22. United States Military Academy- West Point, Drexel University, Rutgers University, the United States Coast Guard Academy, and Villanova University men’s and women’s varsity crews will compete for the Governor’s and Mayor’s Cups.


The popularity of rowing on the Navesink River is becoming increasingly popular. With the return of Rutgers after a one-year hiatus, and the addition of the Coast Guard Academy, this year crews will race five across in the approximately 1 ½ mile sprint. Rutgers Head Coach Steve Wagner said, “This is a great, fun event early in the season and our kids look forward to it.” He added, “It challenges them to come back in shape and allows them to compete against teams not on our normal schedule.”


The Rumson Boat Race will begin at 8 am, with the collegiate crews launching eight-oared shells from Rumson’s Victory Park at 7:30 am. Crews will warm up on the Fair Haven, South side, and race the 2500 meter course on the Middletown, North side, of the Navesink River. In the grand tradition of the Henley Royal Regatta, over 100 athletes and coaches will enjoy the hospitality of local families on the evening of Friday, September 21st, following the Coaches Reception in Rumson, NJ, and the Athletes Reception at Bingham Hall in Rumson, NJ. "The Borough of Rumson is very excited to welcome the competitors to the 9th annual Rumson Boat Race Collegiate Rowing Regatta. Rumson's own Victory Park is the perfect location to watch the race on the picturesque Navesink River," said Rumson's Mayor Joseph K. Hemphill.


RFH Rowing athletes and the community benefit tremendously from this collegiate regatta being held close to home. “Some of America’s finest educational institutions and their exceptional Crews will challenge each other for the Governor’s Cup, and the Mayor’s Cup for collegiate men's and women's crews,” said RFH Rowing Head Coach Dan Edwards. Scholastic rowing events in Boston, Philadelphia, and other rowing towns frequently are held. “This is the only time most get the opportunity to see big-time collegiate athletes and coaches race and its great exposure for our athletes,” he added. A number of former RFH rowers have gone on to study and row for these universities. In 2017, former RFH athlete Kate Edwards won gold at the Rumson Boat Race as a member of the Drexel University Crew.


Boat race spectators will also enjoy family activities at Rumson’s Victory Park featuring a Duck Race. Weather permitting; the race will be live streamed to watch the crew’s compete as they race along the Navesink River.


In addition to Morgan Stanley, RFH Rowing thanks sponsors IMA, Stiffel, Jersey Devil Sport Fishing, and World Subaru. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available. Please reach out to Robyn Etzler at [email protected] for further information. The Rumson Boat Race, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, supports the RFH rowing team and promotes the culture of rowing in the Rumson-Fair Haven communities.


Would you like to help prepare for the race? Sponsor an Oar The sponsored oars will feature your name or your business name and be hung in Fair Haven during for two weeks leading up to the boat race. Please reach out with any questions to [email protected]  
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