The Head of the Christina
Founded in 1998, Head of the Christina has become Wilmington Youth Rowing Association's signature annual regatta and a longstanding tradition on the Christina River. Each fall, the event welcomes youth, collegiate, masters, and club rowing programs from across the Mid-Atlantic for a full day of competitive racing.
The regatta features a 4,200-meter head race course that winds through the heart of Wilmington's riverfront, providing a unique and challenging race experience influenced by the Christina River's tides and turns. Each year, approximately 500 athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers take part in the event, making it one of Delaware's largest rowing competitions.
Head of the Christina showcases the sport of rowing while supporting WYRA's mission to provide opportunities for young athletes and grow the rowing community throughout the region.
Date: Sunday, Oct 4, 2026
First Race: 9AM
Regatta Director:
Kate Mendoza
Executive Director; WYRA
kate@wyra.org
Location: Wilmington, DE
Christina River
Race Course: 4200m
WYRA Boathouse:
500 E. Front St
Wilmington, DE 19801
FOOD & ACTIVITIES & SPONSORS
Coach and Coxswain Information
The document below is a packet that includes the official racing rules, detailed instructions for launching and landing at the docks, as well as images and descriptions of bridges and potential hazards along the course. This information will be reviewed and expanded upon at the Coaches and Coxswains Meeting, which will be held on Sunday.
Area Map & Rules
Tubman Garett Park Guidelines
NO grilling of any kind per City of Wilmington
NO alcohol
NO tent spikes due to full irrigation system throughout park, please use weights for tent tie down
There is electric at all the smaller light poles but will require extension cords that need to cross walkway that will need to be taped down to avoid tripping hazard.
Remove all trash from your area and dispose of. WYRA is providing trash cans throughout park, please to not overfill or top off. We will occasionally walk through to change out to prevent this.
Parking lot is designated for chuck wagons and those transporting tents/supplies, NO spectator parking in the Tubman parking lot. Parking is in garages behind the park.