27th Knecht Cup Regatta Returns to South Jersey's Cooper River

One of America's Largest Collegiate Rowing Events Welcomes Expanded Field, New Events, New Trophies, and Enhanced Para Competition

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The 27th annual Knecht Cup Regatta, one of the nation's premier collegiate rowing events, is returning to the Cooper River in Camden County, New Jersey on April 11-12, 2026. The regatta will feature an expanded slate of racing with 14 new events, new championship trophies honoring distinguished figures from the rowing community, and an enhanced Paralympic racing program.

Why it matters

The Knecht Cup Regatta is a cornerstone of the collegiate rowing calendar, attracting over 350 entries from more than 70 men's and women's collegiate programs across the country. The event's expansion and commitment to inclusion through its Paralympic events reinforces its status as a nationally significant rowing competition.

The details

The 2026 Knecht Cup Regatta will include new events such as men's and women's Alumni 4s and 8s, Lightweight 8, and Coxed Quad. New championship trophies will recognize the legacy and impact of figures like Albert P. Wachlin, Lois Trench-Hines, Mark Valenti, and Ann and Marie Jonik. The regatta will also spotlight an expanded Paralympic racing program with events including men's and women's PR1, PR2, PR 3 and Inclusion Doubles.

  • The 27th Knecht Cup Regatta will take place on April 11-12, 2026.

The players

William J. Knecht

An Olympic gold medalist at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Knecht was a member of the United States' gold-medal-winning coxed eight. He was a native Philadelphian, introduced to rowing while a student at La Salle High School and went on to graduate from Villanova University in 1951. Knecht competed for the storied Vesper Boat Club, where he earned multiple national titles and international acclaim, including gold medals in the eights at the 1955 Pan American Games and in the double sculls at the 1959 and 1963 Pan American Games. He also represented the United States at the 1960 Rome Olympics, finishing fourth in the double sculls alongside John B. Kelly Jr. Knecht's dedication to rowing extended well beyond competition, as he served in various leadership roles and helped create the Cooper River rowing course that hosts the Knecht Cup Regatta.

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What’s next

Further announcements about this year's Knecht Cup Regatta are pending. Additional information is available online at https://knechtcupregatta.com.

The takeaway

The Knecht Cup Regatta's expansion and commitment to inclusion through its Paralympic events solidifies its status as a nationally significant collegiate rowing competition that honors the legacy of a legendary figure in the sport.