If you plan to attend a regatta, you’re in for a treat! Rowing is a beautiful and exciting sport to watch.  Nevertheless, regattas are unlike the typical football or soccer game experience.  A few things you need to know:

·        Race day is long.  Our club races in several events and our athletes are required to be present for all events to cheer on their team.  Some races may go off in early morning while others may be scheduled for late in the afternoon. Make sure you know which events and times you would like to see.

·        Races do not always start on time.  Although most regattas strive to stay
on schedule, some  factors  such as change in weather, false starts, and late boats to the start can cause some delay. Plan to arrive on time, but don’t be startled if the event you want to see starts as much as an hour off schedule.

·        Regattas are rarely cancelled, but may be in extreme weather conditions.  If a regatta is cancelled, the coach usually receives word the night before.  If notice is not provided, teams must arrive as scheduled.  Sometimes races will be delayed in hopes that the weather will clear.  Other times, teams will sit through several hours of race delays that eventually lead to event cancellations. 

·        HT Crew has a tent where spectators can gather.  The tent is often placed within the last 500 meters of a race course and is a meeting spot for our rowers and fans.  Some larger regattas may have bleachers, but smaller regattas will have nowhere for spectators to sit other than open ground.  Bring folding chairs or blankets.

·        Some regattas will have concession stands where you can purchase food.  If you plan to visit your rower friends or family members, all are welcome to join the team at the HT Crew tent.  A parent volunteer will organize food contributions prior to each regatta. We commonly grill and enjoy other picnic type foods.  Fresh fruit is always welcomed, but no Gatorade or sugar-filled treats please!

·        There will be some amazing opportunities to cheer HT Crew onto victory, but the actual time you will spend watching our team row will not be great in quantity. Spectating is usually limited to the finishes, with only the last five hundred meters or so easily observed. If the course’s layout permits, binoculars can help a lot, and some find launching and docking almost as interesting as the actual racing. Nevertheless, you can expect to view only two minutes or less of each race.  For those traveling long distances, yes, it’s worth it.

The race schedule and event locations will be posted on our home page.  Additional information regarding event parking can be found at the regatta websites and links will be posted to the home page whenever possible. Actual race times may not be known and can change up to the day of the race.  The coaches will try to give out information as soon as it is provided to them, but make sure race days are free for the whole day. 

Guardians and Parents: Carpooling and transporting food/equipment may be needed for some regattas.  If you would like to assist, please contact our Parent Volunteer Race Coordinator or let one of the coaches know.