ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Early season action continues for the Navy heavyweight rowing program this Saturday morning with a head-to-head competition versus Princeton. The Mids' (0-1) lone home meet on the Severn River in 2026 will see them play host to a Tiger (3-0) team that opened its season with three dominate wins this past Saturday. The slate of four contests begins at 7:30 a.m. with the first varsity race for the Navy-Princeton Cup.

The entire schedule of races consist of the first varsity eights at 7:30 a.m. followed by the second varsities heading out down the Severn at 7:45 a.m. The third and fourth varsity eight contests are set to go off in the same 15-minute increments at 8:00 and 8:15 a.m., respectively. Additionally, Navy's fifth varsity eight crew will race as a guest in the final competition.

Spectator Information: USNA Access and Fan Shuttles (LINK)
As a result of current world events, Naval Support Activity Annapolis (NSAA) and the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) are increasing Force Protection measures. The following restrictions to USNA access are effective immediately, unless otherwise noted, and will remain in effect until further notice:

The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is currently closed. You can only walk through the turnstiles if you are a DoW or DBIDS card holder.

General public visitation is suspended.

There will be 100% ID checks. Only those with DoW- or DBIDS-issued ID cards will be permitted to walk or drive through Gate 8.

Visitation related to Naval Academy–sponsored events is on a case by case basis. Those with DoW or DBIDS ID cards will be allowed to walk or drive onto the Naval Academy. 

In alignment with NORTHCOM direction, the following additional access restrictions to NSAA / USNA are in effect immediately, and will remain in effect until further notice:

• Trusted Traveler (the ability of a credentialed individual with base access to escort a non-credentialed individual) is immediately suspended.  Example: Lou (CAC holder) wants to drive onboard USNA with his brother Bruce. Bruce has a Real ID drivers license, but does not have a CAC card/DBIDS/Military ID; therefore, Lou cannot drive onto the Yard with Bruce in his car. Bruce cannot come onboard, even though he's a grad.

Currently there are shuttle busses for fans for select events, including this Saturday's Navy-Princeton crew meet. All shuttles will depart from the bus stop at the Blue Angel at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (550 Taylor Ave, Annapolis, MD). Crew will drop off/pick up at Hubbard Hall. There is a nominal fee for parking at the stadium before boarding the shuttle.

A 100% ID check will be in effect and you must have a REAL ID or a passport to get on the bus.  You must be an U.S. citizen to take advantage of the shuttle.

The schedule for Saturday's crew shuttle ... the shuttle will run from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM; in-bound only from 6:30-8:30 a.m.

What's at Stake
Navy-Princeton Cup
The Navy-Princeton Cup dates back to 1913, though after a brief break, it was re-introduced into competition in 2014. Princeton has won each of the trophy races since 2014.

Most Recent Navy-Princeton Matchup: April 5, 2025 at Princeton
Tasked with taking on the nation's fourth-ranked Princeton Tigers in their 2025 season opener, the Navy Midshipmen were unable to overcome the Tigers' high performing crews across a five-race slate at Lake Carnegie. Racing on their home course, the Tigers (4-0) retained the Navy-Princeton Cup over the Mids (0-1) with a victory in the first varsity eight contest.

With the Navy-Princeton Cup on the line in a matchup of the first varsity eight crews, Princeton looked to complete the five-race sweep in the final contest of the meet. Both teams got off to a solid start, though it was a significant move by the Tigers over the middle portion of the piece that earned them the victory. Relentless throughout, Princeton clocked in 15.1 seconds ahead of Navy, 5:37.2 to 5:52.3.

Last Time Out: Navy-Boston University, March 29 at Princeton
The Navy heavyweight rowing team opened its 2026 season on Sunday with a neutral site matchup versus Boston University. The Mids and Terriers took part in four-race series on the waters of Lake Carnegie in Princeton, New Jersey. At the conclusion of an action-packed morning of competition, Boston University withstood the constant pressure from Navy and swept all four races.

Each of the contests between the top-three varsity eight crews were competitive until the final stretches as all three races had margins of 6.52 seconds or less. In the first varsity eight bout, Boston University had an answer for Navy's moves throughout and earned a 6.08-second margin of victory, 5:36.50 to 5:42.58.

Race Schedule
7:30 AM - First Varsity
7:45 AM - Second Varsity
8:00 AM - Third Varsity
8:15 AM - Fourth Varsity w/5V