The 159th Yale-Harvard Regatta is scheduled for June 5-6 on the Thames River in New London, Conn. This historic event features Yales’ and Harvard’s rowing teams racing for various trophies, beginning with the Snider Cup and followed by the Sexton Cup, F. Valentine Chappell Trophy, and New London Cup. The competition opens Friday evening with a combination race, leading into Saturday’s races for the varsity crews. This storied rivalry dates back to 1852, making it the oldest collegiate sporting event in the U.S.

By the Numbers
  • Harvard leads the 1V series (Sexton Cup) 97–60 over Yale.
  • All four races last year were won by Harvard with a combined victory margin of over 20 seconds.
State of Play
  • The regatta has been held on the Thames River since 1878, with only five exceptions.
  • This year marks a century and a half of competitive rowing between the two institutions, illustrating an enduring athletic rivalry.
What's Next

With Harvard's recent dominance in previous regattas, they are expected to maintain their competitive edge this year. Yale Bulldogs will likely aim to improve their standings and secure at least one victory across the four races scheduled for Saturday.

Bottom Line

The Yale-Harvard Regatta remains a significant tradition in collegiate sports. This year's event will not only showcase athletic prowess but also reinforce the historical significance of this rivalry, with both teams striving to outdo each other on the water.