The rowing team from Drexel University gets set to compete during a past edition of the Rumson Boat Race. The champions of the annual Dad Vail competition return to the Navesink River for this year’s edition of the event, on September 27.

Its past editions have been marked by the occasional unpredictability of the river Navesink — but on Saturday, September 27, the Rumson Boat Race returns to the waters off Victory Park for a fifth annual edition.

The collegiate rowing event — a competition that was spurred into being by the announced (but withdrawn) relocation of the high-profile Dad Vail Regatta to Rumson — will draw teams that include Men’s and Women’s Varsity 8+s from Rutgers, Villanova, and the 2014 Dad Vail Champions, Drexel University. Teams will race for the Governor’s Cups on the Navesink River, giving a boost in support of the blossoming rowing culture in the community — and in the process providing funding for the equipment used by rowing athletes at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School.

On Friday evening, September 26, the Coaches and Olympians Reception will be held at the Riverhouse, Rumson Country’s Club fabulous new riverfront venue. It’s an opportunity to meet the college coaches, as well as a true sports legend: Olympic champion (and only 11-time Summer Olympian) Coach Ted Nash. New Jersey’s Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno (who’s also a Crew Mom) is expected to be in attendance as well.

This year, the organizers of the not-for-profit event are helping to celebrate the Rutgers Crew 150th Anniversary at the Coaches Reception. Rutgers alumni and supporters are encouraged to wear scarlet, and to help Coach Steve Wagner cut the celebratory cake.  Ticket information is available right here.