The legendary Dad Vail regatta could be leaving the muddy waters of the Schuylkill behind.
The country’s largest college rowing competition could be forced to leave Philadelphia after 56 years on the Schuylkill River, according to the Daily News.
The 72nd annual Dad Vail was scheduled for May 2010 on the Schuylkill but that could quickly change as the regatta races north. The culprit for the possible move -- money!
The economic downturn mixed with rising costs could force the regatta onto the Navesink River in Rumson, N. J., according to the Daily News.
Organizers were looking at two or three sites in New Jersey for 2010, they confirmed.
In a letter to city officials the organizing committee reportedly said that corporate donations were down and city costs to hold the regatta were increasing.
"The regatta, due to several unforeseeable contributing factors, is facing discontinuation as a Philadelphia-based event," warned a letter from the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee that was obtained by the Daily News.
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It sure would be sad if Philly lost one of its most iconic events after half a century.
It also could hit Philly where it counts – in the wallet.
“Thousands of student athletes visit the City of Philadelphia during the weekend of the second Saturday of May,” said the Dad Vail Web site.
It sure would hurt Philly if all those athletes and their families don’t come and spend money in the city of Brotherly Love.
