About the Poughkeepsie Regatta Project
Marist College has been investigating the history of the Poughkeepsie Regatta for the past several years. The purpose of this project is to remind people that the Hudson River and Poughkeepsie, New York were once known for wildly cheering crowds, brightly colored pennants, the crack of a starting gun, and the rumble of a grandstand train. Above all they were known for putting young crew teams to the ultimate test, and determining through a grueling four mile race who had the best crew team in the nation.
For decades Poughkeepsie was famous for the excitement and the glory of the Poughkeepsie Regatta, but that has largely been forgotten. Yet now we are starting to see some of the old magic return. Marist College has developed a highly successful crew program. Both the men's and women's teams have won several MAAC Championships, and are becoming well known internationally. Slowly but steadily, with each pull of their oars, these determined and hard-working young men and women are bringing fame and excitement back to the Hudson River.