The Philadelphia Cup Regatta presented by Sea Philly and the Independence Seaport Museum - Preview

The sailing fleet competes with the Ben Franklin Bridge in the background during the 2024 Philadelphia Cup Regatta © Nicole Feller-Johnson

Sail on or spectate along the Delaware River this Saturday, at The Philadelphia Cup Regatta presented by Sea Philly and the Independence Seaport Museum. Over a dozen boats are already ready to launch from the start line off Penn's Landing for round-the-buoy racing, navigating current, fellow competitors, and wind in the Delaware River. Entries include the Liberty Sailing Club's fleet of seven J27s, plus a nice mix of an S2, Cape Dory 27, Colgate 26, J24, O'Day 240, a couple of J22s, and Impulse 21.

There's still time to register @ philadelphiacupregatta.com The Liberty Sailing Club-hosted regatta welcomes one-design classes, including J27, J22, Lightning, Flying Scot, Mariner, V15, Laser, and Sunfish, as well as PHRF-handicap boats, both Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker. Entry is $40 for Lasers and Sunfish, $55 for other Dinghies, and $85 for Keelboats. Late entry on September 26 or 27 is available. This fee includes a light breakfast for competitors, one skipper bag per boat, and launching service for One Design boats (Sunfish, Laser, Flying Scot, and Lightning) at the Independence Seaport Museum or via a boat access ramp at Race Street and Columbus. Boat slips are available at Penn's Landing Marina and Pier 3 Marina, but are not included in the entry fee and are not guaranteed.

The regatta rain date is Sunday, September 28, 2025.

Defending Champions & Newcomers Alike to Race

George Bader, a Moorestown, NJ resident who sails his J24, Knight Errant, out of the Riverton Yacht Club, is looking forward to defending his Spinnaker-Racing Class title.

"I keep my boat a couple of hours' sail north of the city, so I always get such a thrill taking my boat down the river before the race and seeing the Philadelphia skyline appear on the horizon to mark my destination. This is the coolest sailing venue! I also appreciate the steady wind and warm water in the fall," says Bader, whose crew this year will be Dan Rau, Devon Rau, and Nelson Ditmers. "Plus, I always tell my friends and family this is the easiest place to watch sailboat racing from land."

Chris DeBruyn, from Swarthmore, PA, and a member of the Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia, is ready to race on his J22, Swivet.

"This is our first year back with the boat. The opportunity arose to sail in the Philadelphia Cup Regatta, and we decided to take it," says DeBruyn, who will skipper, with Scott Davidson and Ari Kaplan as crew. "It's a good thing, and something I think we'll do more often."

Sea & Shore Schedule

On Saturday, sailing competitors' check-in will be at the Independence Seaport Museum. The first race starts at 11:00 a.m., with the last race starting no later than 3:30 p.m. An Awards Ceremony follows during a reception on the historic Tall Ship, Gazela, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Each class champion will have their name engraved on The Philadelphia Cup. The reception includes a dinner buffet with multiple options and an open bar including beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets are available at philadelphiacupregatta.com/#register

Spectators can cheer against the breathtaking backdrop of the Philadelphia skyline at Penn's Landing. Racecourses on the Delaware River will be set either north of the Ben Franklin Bridge, or south to the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay base, only a little over a 1-mile long in distance, so it's possible to catch some of the action all along the waterfront. Bring binoculars!

Additionally, the Delaware River Festival also takes place on September 27 at two locations: Penn's Landing in Philadelphia and Wiggins Park in Camden. It's organized by the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE), Center for Aquatic Sciences, Philadelphia Water Department, and Independence Seaport Museum. Environmental exhibitors will be open throughout the entire 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. event. Each will have an interactive activity or learning experience for attendees. The Independence Seaport Museum and RiverLink Ferry will also be free during event hours. There will be a bird show in Philly (inside the Independence Seaport Museum) at Noon, and a bird meet-and-greet in Camden from 2-3 p.m. Event attendees can also enjoy free face painting, pedal boat rides, and crafts throughout the event. For more information, visit: www.delawareriverfest.org/festival-details

Strong Sponsor Support

The Philadelphia Cup Regatta is presented by Sea Philly and the Independence Seaport Museum.

"The Delaware River is a truly special waterway—rich in history and full of natural beauty. We're proud to sponsor the Philadelphia Cup Regatta, an event that, like our half-day, full-day, and special event cruises, celebrates the joy of spending time on the river. Our 31-foot Phantom will be on the race course as the Committee Boat, offering spectators both on shore and at sea a glimpse of who we are and how we help people experience this iconic river in a fun and meaningful way," says Chris Stock, captain.

The Independence Seaport Museum, located along the Delaware River at Penn's Landing, is proud to support the Philadelphia Cup Regatta by serving as the event's registration site and offering a prime vantage point for spectators to watch boats rig, launch, and race. The Museum invites the public to visit and discover Philadelphia's River of History and its global connections.

More Information

To register and for more information, visit www.philadelphiacupregatta.com or contact the regatta director at . Check out the Philadelphia Cup Regatta on Facebook www.facebook.com/Philadelphiacupregatta and Instagram at @philly_cup_regatta