Nissequogue River State Park Foundation's Regatta On The River 2024

Regatta on the River 2024 is now part of Nissequogue River State Park’s (NRSP) history. It occurred on Saturday, September 14th, at 8:00 am under an outstanding blue sky, perfect air temperature and the beautiful River. (photos available at ourstatepark.org)

2024 marked the triumphant return of the Regatta on the River event, postponed for four years due to COVID-19 and the cancellation of group activities. Regatta on The River was the brainchild of Foundation president John McQuaid. Previous regattas were organized by the NRSPF’s (Nissequogue River State Park Foundation) student board, but with students graduating and moving on, the regatta was at risk. However, John McQuaid,  never gave up his desire to reestablish the event he considers his favorite at the park. This year, with the board’s support, plans for the regatta began, and soon, like-minded people joined with the foundation to make the regatta a reality.

This year’s Regatta was dedicated to the memory of “Captain Jack Hessel,” a Kings Park resident who was oneCaptain Jack Hessel of the co-founders of the NRSPF. Captain Jack was an avid boater who was a presence in every organization that promoted quality of life issues in Kings Park. He was a member of the Kings Park Civic Association, Kings Park Community Association, and a Board member of the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce. He often donated trips on his sailboat as raffle gifts for fundraising. Jack and his wife, Gail, frequently walked through the parkFive Mile Winners and chatted with visitors.

David Faverio winner single kayaker 10 mileThe Regatta was a resounding success. Over 53 vessels were divided into recreational and competitive groups, with the majority being recreational paddling a 5 mile course.  Six kayaks competed on the 10-mile course, and Smithtown resident David Faverio took First Place. Leo Nugent (12) was the first individual youth kayaker to finish and Vincent Troccoli (11) won the costumed Kayaker category.

This year’s regatta was special in many ways. It was a return to normalcy after the horror of COVID. It was a way to honor Jack Hessel for all his work and an opportunity for people to gather and celebrate the beauty of the Nissequogue River. Participants were diverse, representing all age groups and family structures. Some Double kayak winnerswere in kayaks, some were in canoes, and some were paddleboarders. Some were people who were seeing the river for the first time, and others were returnees. Everyone was in agreement the Nissequogue River is beautiful!

The mission of the NRSPF is to protect and advocate for the park. All funds raised go to improvements at the park. McQuaid invites the public to join the foundation, visit the park, participate in events and help the Nissequogue River State Park reach its potential.

Regatta on the River would not have been possible without the wonderful volunteers and the generous sponsors. IGA-Ft.Salonga and Larkfield, Nissequoque River Kayak and Canoe Rentals, Smithtown Matters, The Smithtown News, HIRSCH Fuels, Gaio’s, LE Advisors Scott Israel, Flynn Insurance, Smithtown Bagels, 1-800- Water Damage, Isla + Wolf Beauty, NYS Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, Dorothy Chanin, Paul & Kris Micciche, Sandy Trehy, Elaine & Bill Turley, Pat & Tom Biancaniello. 

Special recognition to boat safety patrol Lou and Anthony Puleo, John and Matt McQuaid, Smithtown Bay Constable, Commack Ambulance and Chris Thompson and the staff at the Nissequogue River State Park.

Remember to visit OURSTATEPARK.ORG to learn more about the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation and its most significant fundraiser of the year, the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot and Fun Run.