Regatta Frequently Asked Questions

Rowers (Planning and Things to Bring)

What do I need to do before a regatta?

If you are a coxswain, bowperson, or 1x rower you need to be at the Coaches & Coxswains meeting. The dates and links or locations for these are shared a few days before each regatta by the hosting team.

If you are not a coxswain, bowperson or 1x rower read the regatta info sheet or your coaches regatta email for specific timing, some regattas we can arrive later and others you’ll need to plan for a specific ferry in order to arrive on time.

What Should I Bring?

What makes you feel prepared and well-packed for a regatta is an individual thing, however we have some recommendations (and required things to bring) for all rowers at VIRC. Remember that everything you bring to a regatta has the potential to sit out in the rain for extended periods of time, even if there is a team tent.

  • Team unisuit (adult team and youth experienced, required) OR Team t-shirt (youth novices, required)

  • Black long-sleeved tech shirt for layering (required)

  • Black spandex or similar shorts (youth novices, required)

  • Black leggings for layering (required)

  • Crocs/footwear for launching (required)

  • Minimum 3 pairs of dry socks (required)

  • Water bottle (required)

  • Fleece pullover or warm hooded sweatshirt

  • Sweats or other warm pants

  • Complete change of DRY clothes for after the race

  • Warm hat

  • Hat with visor

  • Polarized sunglasses (required)

  • Blanket

  • Money – if you intend to purchase a regatta t-shirt

  • Entertainment: homework, books, cards, etc. 

Families (Planning and What to Bring)

How should I plan my day?

Parking is often limited. Be prepared to walk longer distances if you arrive later in the day.

Rowers are expected to be there on time and stay until the boats are de-rigged and on the trailer at the end of the day. After most regattas, rowers who participated int he regatta are also expected to help put the boats back on the racks on the trailer that same or next day once the trailer returns to the island.

What is the weather like?

Regardless of the time of year, regatta days can encompass all types of weather from sun to storm, calm to windy and everything in between. The better you prepare, the more you’ll enjoy the day. Layering is key. Mornings are almost always cold and sometimes the soggy start of a long day of standing in rain. Bring waterproof layers. Bring a hat and a good pair of sunglasses – if the sun does come out you’ll be looking at water and the reflection can be very strong. You can never bring too many clothes (at least until you learn about your own cold and damp tolerance).

Can I stop by the store if I forget something?

At most regattas, there is no easily accessible store nearby. Bring whatever personal items you might need, including your favorite snacks, a thermos of coffee, a chair, binoculars, and an umbrella. Restrooms are often port-a-potties so come prepared with toilet paper and hand sanitizer if you prefer.

How do I watch the Races?

Provisional race times are communicated by the hosting teams a few days before the regatta. Coaches will put them into the regatta spreadsheet when they are available. Regatta websites also often list the planned race times. These often change on the day of and you may need to check for updates. The team usually has a whiteboard with race times near the boats.

Your rower will walk with their boat down to the launch area at least an hour before the race. This can be a good time to take photos, but be careful to not get too near the boats and rowers as it can create confusion and potentially injury if you walk in front of another team’s boat.

For the next 45-60 minutes their boat will be off in the distance beyond what you can usually see.

You will probably need binoculars to see the boats as they come down the course until the last 500 meters or so. Most of the venues we race at have some vantage point where you will see this part of the regatta. Coaches include tips on where to spectate in each individual regatta info sheet.

Be sure to cheer them on, they can (sometimes) still hear us across the water!

What do I do when My rower isn’t racing?

Regattas can be very long days. A good way to pass the time is to volunteer with the food tent or socialize with other families. The team always needs help with set-up and tear down, with food prep and service, and there is cleaning up all day long.

Bring a chair and blanket to stay warm and off your feet while you pass the time. Don’t forget snacks and water! 

What should I bring?

  • Rain gear (including an umbrella)

  • Layers of clothing

  • Warm hat

  • Comfortable walking shoes and/or waterproof shoes or boots

  • Binoculars

  • Camera

  • Chair

  • Snacks and beverages

  • Water bottle

  • Blankets

  • Sunscreen and sunglasses

  • Little Hotties foot and hand warmers

Race Day Things to Know

Launch Docks and Beaches 

The boat prep and launch areas get very congested. These are meant for coaches and rowers from the competing teams who are rigging or de-rigging boats and getting ready for races. Families and spectators should avoid these areas.

50 - 30 Minutes Pre-Race 

Give your athlete(s) and their coaches time and space to prep for the upcoming race. Boat meetings, gear checks, and race plan reviews are all times when the athletes and coaches need to focus. 

15 - 20 Minutes Post-Race 

Allow the athletes to return their boats to the boat prep area and complete their post-race meeting. 

Race Day Emotions 

Emotions run high on race day, if athletes have several races in a day they can experience several ups and downs within a short period of time. 

Regardless of how the race went there are times when an athlete will need to vent or express themselves immediately after a race. 

If your athlete is particularly upset after a race this is a good time to take a moment away from the team if there is time. Sometimes athletes need a private space to vent so that they do not say something that will harm a teammate or competitor. You can revisit post race reflections with your athlete once they have had a little time to process.

If follow up is needed please refrain from pulling aside a coach until after race day if you need to. Unless it is an immediate health or safety concern it is important to let the coaches continue running the regatta for the other rowers on the team.