To help celebrate the 75th running of the largest inter-collegiate regatta in North America, the 2013 Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta in Philadelphia, MINI is taking to the water itself but not with its own rowing team.

Instead, MINI has unveiled a seafaring version of its Cooper Convertible, which comes complete with its own outboard motor.

The MINI Cooper Convertible ‘Boat’ isn’t actually built from the chassis of one of MINI’s cars but uses a fiberglass mold that’s mounted to a boat hull.

It’s still fully accessorized with authentic MINI parts, including its lights, grille, steering wheel, badges, wheels and even tires.  It was constructed by ACI Composites Inc, based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and designed so that its wheels rotate in the water reinforcing the illusion that the one-off Cooper Convertible ‘Boat’ is being driven on the water’s surface.

The special MINI will take to the waters of the Schuylkill River during this famous annual festival of university and college rowing, which takes place from May 10-11.

In case any of the college kids are interested in MINI’s road-going models, the automaker will also feature a display of its vehicles at the event with product specialists on hand as well.

For 2013, the Dad Vail Regatta is expected to attract more than 35,000 visitors to witness 3,700 rowers from 127 universities and colleges competing in 150 races along the six-lane, 2,000 meter Olympic length course.

_______________________________________

Follow Motor Authority on Facebook and Twitter.