HAMPTON, Va. — The 2023 Hampton Cup Regatta has been canceled due to inclement weather for the first time since the event started in 1926, event organizers announced Wednesday.
Organizers said the forecast for the weekend of Sept. 22 to 24 wasn't optimal for hydroplane racing and the concert planned for Friday evening.
"Typically rain delays do not halt the event. However, wind is a major factor for our racers," organizers said in a website on the event's website. "Due to the amount of wind and rain forecasted for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the Hampton Roads Area the Hampton Cup Regatta Committee can not conscientiously move forward in potentially unsafe conditions."
Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck spoke to 13News Now about the tradition's cancellation. He said the only other time it was cancelled was in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I think one of the things about this whole situation is that COVID has taught us to be flexible," Tuck said.
He said the strong winds coming with the storm are cause for concern regarding safety.
"I don't think the attendance would have been great if the weather conditions were that way," Tuck said.
