Philadelphia Cup Regatta Returns to Delaware River for Fall Racing

Philadelphia, PA — Sailing returns to the heart of Philadelphia this fall with the 2025 Philadelphia Cup Regatta, set for September 27 off the city’s Penn’s Landing. Hosted by Liberty Sailing Club, the regatta promises a full day of competitive action for sailors of all levels, paired with spectacular waterfront views and festival activities for spectators.

The Philadelphia Cup welcomes one-design classes including J/27, J/22, Lightning, Flying Scot, Mariner, V15, Laser, and Sunfish, alongside PHRF-handicap boats in both Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker divisions. Other designs are also encouraged to join. To form a class, a minimum of three boats must register by August 30.

“We invite dinghy and keelboat sailors from clubs across the tri-state area to set sail with us for a day of exhilarating racing on the Delaware River,” says Mark Sidell, Commodore of Liberty Sailing Club. “There’s no more beautiful venue, and it’s a magical experience to enjoy the city from this perspective. The Philadelphia Cup Regatta’s date change this year to September aims to capitalize on the typical fall breeze. Spectating is spectacular from the city’s waterfront, and the Delaware River Festival activities offer a fun way for non-sailors to enjoy the river.”

Racing will feature round-the-buoy courses between the Ben Franklin Bridge and the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay base. The first start is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., with the final race no later than 3:30 p.m. Spectators can follow the fleet from several key vantage points along the waterfront. Awards and a post-race celebration will honor class champions, who will have their names engraved on The Philadelphia Cup.

Early registration offers discounted entry fees until September 1, ranging from $30 for Lasers and Sunfish to $70 for keelboats. Late entries will be accepted on September 26 or 27 at a higher fee. Included with registration are a light breakfast, skipper bag, and launching service for select one-design boats.

The regatta coincides with the Delaware River Festival, running September 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Penn’s Landing and Wiggins Park in Camden. Festival attendees can explore environmental exhibits, interactive activities, free museum access, pedal boats, crafts, and live bird programs.

The Liberty Sailing Club, home to more than 150 members, maintains a fleet of J/27s and supports both competitive and recreational sailing on the Delaware River. The club’s programs also emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion to welcome sailors of all backgrounds.For more information and registration, visit philadelphiacupregatta.com, or contact the regatta director at info@philadelphiacupregatta.com. Follow the Philadelphia Cup Regatta on Facebook and Instagram.

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