Oct. 27, 2007

PHILADELPHIA - Races were cancelled for the second year in the row at the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta in Philadelphia, PA. The regatta likes to bill itself as the biggest one day regatta in the U.S. and literally 1000's of competitors and spectators were in attendance.

The first race was called on the water and after marshalling all crews near the start, it was determined that there was just too much debris coming down in the fast stream. Water levels rose dramatically overnight from yesterday and organizers decided it was too dangerous to race. Below find the official statement from regatta officials

"Due to the inclement weather, the Schuylkill River is flowing exceedingly fast with enormous amounts of floating debris making for unsafe rowing conditions. As such and approximately 5 minutes ago, Christopher Blackwell, one of the Regatta Board Members, and Kris Grudt, the Chief Referee, have decided to cancel the regatta in full. The Head of the Schuylkill staff instructed us to send this message to all registration contacts immediately."

The regatta was cancelled last year due to high wind conditions.

Franklin and Marshall had entries in the Women's and Men's Open Eights races and were due to begin racing at 11.00 am. The Diplomat Crew next sees competition on Nov 11 at the Bill Braxton Memorial Regatta, once again in Philadelphia.