REGATTA PREP
Regattas are what the boat races we compete in are called. We have some regattas that are local and some that we travel to, both in and out of state. Here are a few tips from experienced crew parents if you’re new to the sport!
THE REGATTA EMAIL: If you are a parent or rower, you will receive a detailed email the week of the regatta covering timing, boat line-ups, transportation, and much more. Our coaches work to ensure rowers have at least one and usually two chances to compete in each regatta. Line-ups can vary quite a bit based on a host of factors and can change between regattas.
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COMMUNICATION: The boosters provide an EVENT DAY #GroupMe channel, and any parent contacts that register will receive an invitation. If you join the FHC Crew Event Day Communications channel, you'll be able to access quick links to maps, line-ups, results, and key information will be available this channel. In addition, coaches and boosters can share real-time updates with parents and families so you will be in the know!
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VOLUNTEER: Parents are strongly encouraged to stay for the day and to take a volunteer shift. We need the whole rowing community doing their part to provide our team what they need to eat healthy and focus on the competition.
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PACKING: Gear is a bit hard for this sport as you can see all kinds of weather in a single regatta. Review our suggested uniform and packing list for both rowers and for parents below.
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PARKING: Often your car will be in a spot far from the course, coming in and out even if the race is local, is not really feasible. We don't have many regattas all year, but when they do happen the days are LONG – don’t make plans for the evening because we never know when the rowers will be done, and you’ll be exhausted.
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FOOD: Parent volunteers and our fundraising efforts supply an amazing food tent for the rowers. The food tent is ONLY for the rowers. Please bring your own snacks and meals. This helps us stretch our budget to cover food for the team for the entire year. There are food trucks at some of the larger regattas.
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LINGO: Learning basic rowing vocabulary will make you sound smart to your rower and enable you to ask specific questions about what they did well!
How to Watch a Rowing Race
Every regatta watching area is different. Once you arrive, stop by the food tent to find out where parents are headed to watch. Look for the FHC flag.
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Depending on space, there is usually a Parent Tent near the food tent. This is a place for parents to hang out, have a potluck lunch, etc. In the mornings, there will be coffee, etc.
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Be aware of equipment! Boats and oars are very long — be cautious of your surroundings. Boats and athletes have the right away. Try to stay off sidewalks when standing, to allow athletes a clear path to move their equipment. "Heads Up" Means Duck!
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After your rower finishes their race, they return their boats to our staging area and then they discuss the race with their coach.
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After that, they’ll return to the food tent area and that’s where you should go to congratulate them.
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At larger regattas, race results are posted on CrewTimer. There are also publicly posted printed results at some regattas as well. The CrewTimer links when posted for the regatta will be shared in the details of the regatta (and the regatta emails).
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Rowers need to stay with their team – either at the food tent, getting ready to race, debriefing, or along the shore cheering on the FHC boats. They won’t be able to sit with you and your family (unless you are on the shoreline cheering!)
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Always offer encouraging and congratulatory comments to your kids and other kids on the team. They are working hard!
What Should Rowers Bring to a Regatta?
Rower Packing List
Check the uniform page for specifics on Fall and Spring uniforms.
--Rain/windproof jacket (FHC splash jackets are sold every season.) --Hat (baseball, sun, or visor) --Gloves/mittens (when not on the water) --Water bottle(s) – the team provides water and Gatorade at the food tent but always good to have a couple of water bottles --Sunglasses (w/ chums attached) --Homework --Other “nice but not necessary to have” things: ----Sunscreen ----Small towel (for sweat or drying off) ----Blanket ----Tape for blisters ----Protein bars ----Portable phone charging bank ----Change of clothes (for when they’re done rowing) ----Deck of cards Make sure rower name is on everything!
What Should Parents Bring to a Regatta?
You can’t trust the weather forecast. Ever! Dress in layers because cold mornings can lead to sweltering afternoons. If you want to show your team spirit check out our Spirit Gear page.
DO BRING: --Water/drinks in a water bottle --Coffee or tea in a travel container --Snacks/meals – or heavier snacks to last you through the day (in a cooler) --Binoculars --Folding chairs --Phone/camera --Portable charger --Rain umbrellas --Blankets (for sitting on or for keeping warm) --Mittens --Hat --Sunscreen --Bug spray --Rain gear (poncho, etc.) --Windbreaker-type jacket (it can get very windy by the shore) --Rain boots (some regattas are very muddy) --Book/ knitting/ Sudoku/ something to do --Hand sanitizer/ wipes --Printout of heat schedule (usually linked in email right before regatta) DON'T BRING: --Expectations for perfect weather --COWBELLS (we're serious)
