Regatta Information/Maps :: Tips for Regatta Watchers

Tips for Regatta Watchers

    For those of us who are new to this sport of Crew, the world of the regatta can be confusing.  Here are some pointers to help make your experience 'at the river' more enjoyable.

    Most of our regattas are held locally, many at Sandy Run Park, which is where our boathouse is located and our kids have been training on-the-water.  The first race is usually around 10:00 am but your child will need to be there earlier to prepare.  The last race will occur at about 3:00 pm.  Later races are usually novice/lower boats.  Generally, there will be 5 - 6 different schools at a regatta, each bringing several boats.

    When you approach Van Thompson and make that left turn you may encounter the parking fee folks and may need to park at that very first lot off Hampton Road.  Directions to the regatta sites are in the crew handbook or on the website (Home::Regatta Info::Directions).  You can take a shuttle from this lot into the park.  You may travel further into the park before paying your parking fee and may be allowed to park in one of the 'close in' lots.  The earlier you get there the closer in you'll park.  The parking fee is $10.

    Once parked, you can walk the trail to the grandstands (15 to 20 minute brisk walk) which can be steep and difficult if you¹re not used to hiking or you can take the van for $1.00 (one way).  You may want to head down to the boathouse first to check out the activity -- you must be watchful of the crews carrying boats to and from the river and PLEASE try to stay out of their way (the boats are extremely heavy and hard to maneuver).  When someone shouts 'Heads Up' that means a boat is coming through and to clear the way.  The trails to the grandstands begin from the upper parking lot and from the very bottom of the hill at the boathouses (at the bottom of the hill, near the docks and the river, look for a sign that says "trail to grandstands."  It starts near boathouse 1.)

    When you get to the grandstands, look for Robinson Crew folks--we all try to wear our Robinson Crew apparel.  Just look for the blue and gold. There is a concession stand at the boathouse and also at the grandstands where you can buy coffee, cold drinks, bagels, muffins, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, etc--but you can bring your own food/drinks. There will also be T-shirts with a unique design for each regatta for sale at a cost of $10.  Programs and race schedules will also be on sale.  The race schedule can be found on line (by Friday) at the Robinson Crew web site (click here) or at ncasra.org/schedules.

    The course at Sandy Run is a favorite of rowers but you will be sitting on concrete bleachers, so bring a seat cushion.  From the grandstands you will see the last 500 meters of the 1500 meter course, but you will see the finish!  That means you may wait for a few hours for your child's race to see your child in action for about 2 minutes--but it¹s an exciting 2 minutes and well worth the wait.  You can cheer for all our boats and learn a little
something of what Crew really is.

    It's very important to wear comfortable shoes, layers of clothing, and bring rain gear (poncho, umbrella, etc.) and binoculars.  The weather is usually chillier and the winds breezier than conditions at your home.  It could be very cold in the morning, but by noon it could warm up significantly.  Dress warmly enough but in layers so you can remove clothing when it warms up.

    The most important tip I can give you is to relax and enjoy yourself!

WELCOME TO THE RANKS OF THE REGATTA WATCHERS
YOU ARE IN FOR A GREAT TIME!