RegattaCentral

Named after the historic Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) Regatta (1895 - 1949), the new Poughkeepsie Regatta will be held on the historic course used for the national collegiate championship races.  The IRA races were rowed on courses of varying lengths for varsity (4 miles), junior varsity (3 miles), and freshman (2 miles) male crews. Spectators came from across the country, often by rail, and numbered in the 10's of thousands.  Flatbed rail cars on the western shore carried bleachers and ran the length of the course for spectators and the press.  Yachts, navy vessels, and small boats crowded up and down the river to get a closer view of the racing boats.  A holiday spirit prevailed with nightly parties the week before the races.  

After World War II the regatta moved briefly to Marrietta, OH, and then to Syracuse, NY, and was soon shortened to 2000 meters.