Robert M. Gillin, Jr. Boathouse – A Snapshot

The Robert M. Gillin, Jr. Boathouse was officially dedicated in June 2002. It serves as the dedicated facility for both the Saint Joseph’s men's and women's rowing programs and hosts major events such as the Dad Vail Regatta, the Murphy Cup, and various dual races.

Spanning 15,540 square feet, the boathouse includes four heated boat bays capable of storing up to 42 eights, 14 fours/quads, and 14 small boats. Situated at the 1,000-meter mark of the iconic Schuylkill River racecourse, it also features a 750-square-foot viewing deck—a perfect vantage point for families, fans, and alumni.

The second floor offers locker rooms, showers, and a spacious communal area outfitted for various training and team needs—erg machines, meetings, video analysis, and even yoga. This multifunctional space adds to the boathouse's role as both a competitive and communal hub.

In September 2004, the boathouse gained formal recognition from Philadelphia’s historic rowing community when the Schuylkill Navy—the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the U.S.—unanimously accepted the Gillin Boat Club into its member clubs.

Beyond supporting competitive rowers, the facility also hosts summer camps, including the SJU/Fairmount Park Commission Community Rowing Program. These initiatives are aimed at introducing rowing to Philadelphia’s youth who might not otherwise have exposure to the sport, marking an important university–city partnership in fostering community access to rowing.