Powerboat community stalled after cancellation of Three Rivers Regatta

The cancellation of the EQT Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta sent waves of disappointment throughout the powerboat community Tuesday.

A staple of the annual event, powerboat racers flock to the city to race along the Allegheny River at speeds of up to 100 mph. As many as 40 teams were expected to race during the regatta.

“The minute I found out the event was canceled, I immediately began contacting our race teams to stop them from incurring any additional expenses,” said Tim Seebold, manager of NGK F1 Powerboat Championship, based in Missouri. “Many of them are on the road and heading toward Pittsburgh. They are our No. 1 priority.”

All of the races on the powerboat circuit are important to the teams in terms of points and standings, Seebold said.

“But Pittsburgh has been one of the mainstays in powerboat racing,” he said. “Our world has been turned upside down. This is a difficult situation for us.”

Seebold posted the cancellation on the NGK Facebook page. Some comments said the racers should be reimbursed for travel expenses.

“This cancellation is quite a blow to the racing industry,” said Sherron Winer of Wheeling, W.Va., who is co-chair of promotion and communications for the American Power Boat Association, the governing body of powerboat racing based in Michigan. “Pittsburgh is a long-standing event and part of powerboat racing history.”

She added she understands the reason for the stoppage.

“Powerboat racers are professionals,” Winer said. “We are sad it is canceled, but we understand because it has to be safe. We hope it will return in the future.”