HAMPTON — The Hampton Cup Regatta is returning to the Peninsula for its 95th running later this month.
At 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 24, 2021, the Regatta will kick off the event at Oozlefinch Beers & Blending, located at 81 Patch Rd. at Fort Monroe. There will be many beers on tap with live music by Jason Cale Band. Also, there will be food trucks on site.
Then, from Sept. 25-26, the East Mercury Boulevard Bridge leading into Fort Monroe will open for spectators at around 10 a.m. with racing starting at approximately 11 a.m. at Mill Creek, adjacent to the entrance of Fort Monroe.
The Regatta, which is the oldest continuously running hydroplane races in America that remains free of charge, is hosting the American Power Boat Association’s Eastern Divisional Championships (Region 4) and, as an Aug. 12 release from Visit Hampton, Virginia states, “some of the fastest watercrafts in the world.” The release notes that these boats can be as long as 24 feet and with some reaching speeds of 150 mph.
The Middle Peninsula Jeep Association will be on hand in the event’s pit area to aid in support of the crafts used during the event.
During the Regatta, there will be a children’s area will be set up featuring games and activities, courtesy of Calvary Assembly of God and the Fort Monroe YMCA. Blackbeard’s Pirate Crew will be on hand to educate the crowd. An antique car show will take place daily at 9:30 a.m.
Also, there will be souvenirs such as programs, limited edition T-shirts, and other collectibles on sale.
There will be ATM machines available on the East Mercury Boulevard Bridge.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, pop-up tents or umbrellas as bleacher seating will be limited.
Admission for the event is free.
For more information, visit the website for the Hampton Cup Regatta.