Aberdeen Dad Vail ® Regatta - Frequently Asked Questions

Who is “Dad” Vail
Harry Emerson “Dad” Vail was one of America’s early college coaches. He coached at the University of Wisconsin between 1911 and the late 1920’s. His crews competed against great odds since there was little sport for the sport and little rowing took place in Wisconsin. Crew candidates often went out for other sports. He persisted, however, drawing on a lovable personality and great respect for hard work. His efforts were recognized more widely outside the Badger State than where he coached. He died on October 8, 1928. The regatta is lovingly named for him.

Where is Kelly Drive?
Kelly Drive is in the Fairmount Park section of Philadelphia, Pa. This Mecca of rowing is located on the east bank of the Schuylkill River just northwest of Center City Philadelphia.

How do I get to Kelly Drive?
For directions go to our web site @ www.dadvail.org/?Directions and click on About Us, or For Spectators, or For Sponsors and Vendors or For Competitors; then scroll down to Destination Dad Vail followed by Directions and Maps.

Where do I park for the regatta?
Enter Kelly Drive from the north or south and follow parking directional signs.

Are cars allowed to park on Kelly Drive?
Yes, with proper official window stickers visible on windshields. Remember, however, parking is limited on the drive.

The Handicapped. Are they allowed on Kelly Drive?
Yes, with marked handicapped license plates or window tags hanging from rear view mirrors.

How do we get from the parking area to Kelly Drive to watch the races?
Shuttle buses take spectators to the drive. The buses follow a route through the parking area to Kelly Drive and then to the Art Museum on Pennsylvania Ave. There they turn around and retrace their route returning to the parking area. Shuttles have four stops: Canoe Club, Grand Stand (The Finish Line), Rowers' Village (where crews assemble) and the Art Museum for the trip back. The shuttle is FREE.

Where is the best place to meet rowers?
At the Rowers Village. Cell phones will be helpful.

Does public transportation travel to Kelly Drive?
Yes. SEPTA buses 32 and 38 run though center city on J.F.K. Blvd. and Pennsylvania Blvd. Get off near the Art Museum and look for regatta shuttle buses assembling on Pennsylvania Ave. for the return route north on Kelly Drive.

What does it cost to enter the regatta?
Nothing. It’s FREE

What’s the best place to watch the races?
The Grand Stand

Where are Alumni Tents located?
North of the Grand Stand seats.

Are spectators allowed to bring lunches?
Yes, and beach chairs. and pets on leaches providing their pet’s Pooper Scoopers. Alcoholic beverages are sold in the Food Court.

Are there refreshments?
Yes, at the Food Court

Are there Medical Facilities at the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta?
Yes, There are Emergency Vehicles on hand at several locations for rowers, staff and spectators.

How do I find the names of the entries and the times of the races?
Buy an Aberdeen Dad Vail Program with Heat Sheets at the Grand Stand.

What’s a Heat Sheet?
Heat Sheets describe the Day’s races telling who rows when, and in which lane. Separate Heat Sheets are published for the Qualifying races (All day Friday), the Semi final races (Saturday morning), and the Final races (Saturday afternoon).

How/where do I find race results?
From the public address system after each race or on the internet @ www.dadvail.org

Where’s the Starting Line?
Just north of the intersection of Hunting Park Drive and Kelly Drive.

How long is the race course?
2,000 meters. This is an Olympic length course.

Where’s the Finish Line?
At the Grand Stand.

How many race lanes are there?
Six

How many races are there?
Approximately 150

When do races begin?
Generally, races begin at 7 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday and end around 5 p.m.

Under what conditions will races be halted?
Generally, if the water is very rough, or debris is blocking the lanes, or lightning is in the sky, races will be halted. Rain of and by itself will not necessarily stop the races. Officials make the final decision on all stoppages.

How many colleges enter the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta?
119 schools have entered the Dad Vail in 2006 and 2007, making the Aberdeen Dad Vail the largest college regatta in North America

When did the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta Begin?
1934

What colleges competed in the first Dad Vail Regatta?
Marietta, Rutgers and Manhattan. Marietta was the winner.

Who started the regatta?
The Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta was started by two men with ties to rowing at the University of Pennsylvania. The individuals were ‘Rusty’ Callow and Lev Brett. Callow was then coach at Penn and laid the foundation. Brett was credited with being the architect. Their goal was to have a college regatta for developing crew programs.

Has the Regatta been held continuously since 1934?
Yes, Except for the WWII years.

When did the Regatta become a permanent fixture in Philadelphia
1953

Who has won the most Varsity Eight events?
Men: Temple 20
Women: Western Ontario 6

Where can I go for Public Information?
Phone: 215 542 1443
E-Mail: dadvailpr@verizon.net
Web site: www.dadvail.org

What is the official Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta web site?
www.dadvail.org

Who runs the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta?
The Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee. Jack Galloway is Chairman and Jim Hanna is President. The DVROC is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization.

Does the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta have a presence on Facebook and Twitter?
Yes. You can follow the regatta on Facebook and Twitter. Please click the links below for more information:

Aberdeed Dad Vail Regatta on Facebook...

By Harry Stinger

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