The Lenny Peters Cup drew nearly 1,000 rowers, hundreds of dragon boat paddlers and more than 3,000 spectators to High Point, North Carolina, on October 24, 2026, adding to a local event that tourism officials say has generated economic activity for the area.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit High Point estimated the spring 2026 Cup’s economic impact at $2.6 million; no estimate was provided for the October event.
  • A Dutch Olympic champion crew beat Team USA in the headline race, while the Golden Koi team won the inaugural dragon boat competition.

Lenny Peters Cup and local tourism

The Cup was the main event of the High Point Autumn Rowing Festival at Oak Hollow Lake, presented by Bethany Medical and the Lenny Peters Foundation.

Historically, about 70% of regatta attendees have lived outside North Carolina, with visitors spending money at hotels, restaurants and other businesses across the Triad. Visit High Point’s $2.6 million economic-impact estimate relates to the spring Cup, not the October festival.

Foundation support and race results

Race director Gene Kininmonth said the foundation began supporting the rowing community after the host club lost nearly 90% of its members during the sport’s recovery from COVID. He said the club has grown by about 40% since the foundation became involved.

In the October headline race, the Dutch women’s four recovered from a deficit of nearly three boat lengths to finish one and a half lengths ahead of Team USA. The University of Edinburgh won the collegiate Dash for the Lenny Peters Cup.

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