This September 23-24, speed into aquatic adrenaline action as the 92nd annual Hampton Cup Regatta, the oldest continuously running hydroplane race in North America, returns to Mill Creek in Hampton, Virginia. Join upwards of 25,000 spectators for a weekend of on-the-water thrills, chills, and racing excitement. Up to 80 hydroplanes, flat bottoms, and jersey speed skiffs from the United States and Canada are expected to compete during the 92nd annual event.
This year, the Hampton Cup Regatta will welcome some of the fastest watercraft in the world. With boats as long as 20 ft., and some reaching speeds of 150 mph, these vessels often set both national and world records. Best of all, the Hampton Cup Regatta is one of the last remaining boat races in the country free of charge!
In 2017, Hampton hosts up to 12 classes of the fastest hydroplanes in North America. Considered the loudest piston-powered racing boats in the world, these hydroplanes are sure to have on-lookers marveling. On Saturday and Sunday, racing starts at approximately 10:30 a.m. (bridge opens at approximately 10:00 a.m.) and ends by 5:00 p.m. in Mill Creek, located at the entrance of Fort Monroe from the East Mercury Boulevard Bridge in Hampton, Virginia.
There will be a kickoff event taking place at Oozlefinch Craft Brewery at 81 Patch Rd on Fort Monroe the evening of Friday, September 22nd. A cask of special edition Saison will be on tap in addition to other craft beer favorites. Music by Dew Ballantyne and the Other Medicine begins at 6:30 p.m. Food trucks will also be on site, including Taste of Asia. Music by Drew Ballantyne Saturday and Zen Mojo
Sunday will entertain in the main spectator area of the Mercury Blvd Bridge between race heats (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day). There will be food trucks from Jadean's Smokin Six-O BBQ, Kona Ice, Papa John's Pizza, and Super Steve's Snacks. Souvenir programs, annual limited edition T-shirts, as well as other collectibles, will be on sale.
Tentatively, there will be autograph sessions and racer meet-n-greets. Everyone's favorite car show will also be returning. This year, the children's area will feature games and activities hosted by Calvary Assembly of God and the Fort Monroe YMCA, among others. Pirates from Blackbeard's Crew will be encamped. There will also be ATM machines on the bridge for the duration of the weekend.
Lawn chairs are highly encouraged as bleacher seating is extremely limited. Attendees are also encouraged to bring pop-up tents or umbrellas for shade, however owners are responsible for securing them and are encourage to share as needed.
Outside food & beverages, coolers, pets (other than service animals), bikes, skates, hoverboards and skateboards are not permitted. Special allowances are made for infants and those with special needs. All bags are subject to search.
Admission is FREE due to generous support by The City of Hampton, Lockwood Bros., Old Point National Bank, Wynne Ford/Volvo, Parklawn-Wood Funeral Homes, M. Price Distributing, the Baumann Family, Atlantic Communications, Bayport Credit Union, Liberty Tax Service, Mark's Glass, SKY4 TV, FM99, Oozlefinch Craft Brewery, Coco-Cola, Langley Speedway, Herc Rentals and Hampton Roads Event Rentals. Learn more at hamptoncupregatta.com.
Dates and Times
Saturday, September 23: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, September 24: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location: Mill Creek between Phoebus and the entrance of Fort Monroe, Hampton, VA If there are weather delays, racing will continue after the rain up until sunset. Races will not be canceled unless a complete rain out.