Regattas

Regatta Overview for New Rowing Families

Attending a regatta is an exciting experience for both athletes and their families. Whether you’re attending a local Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association (VASRA) event or traveling out of state, this guide will help you understand what a regatta is, how it works, and what you can expect as you support your athlete.

What is a Regatta?

A regatta is a series of rowing races between crews. These races can vary by boat type, skill level, and age group.
High school regattas, including those run by the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association (VASRA), usually take place on weekends and can last several hours.
Races typically happen over a 1,500–2,000-meter course, with multiple boats competing side by side.

VASRA Regattas (Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association)

VASRA manages most of the rowing regattas in Virginia, particularly for high school programs. Here’s what you need to know about attending a VASRA regatta:

Location: Most VASRA regattas take place at Sandy Run Regional Park on the Occoquan Reservoir. This facility has a fully buoyed six-lane course, grandstands for spectators, and areas for concessions and team tents.
Block Scheduling: VASRA uses a block schedule, where all of the 8s race in either the morning or afternoon, and the smaller boats (4s, 2s, singles) race in the opposite block. This setup allows families and athletes to avoid being at the regatta site all day.
Heat Sheets and Results: The race schedules, called heat sheets, are posted on the VASRA website a day or two before the regatta. Race results are updated live during the event through Google Sheets and VASRA’s Mastodon page. Check these sources frequently, as the schedule can change.
Ranking and Progression: VASRA regattas typically begin with heats, where the fastest boats progress to semifinals and finals. Winners are determined in finals, with boats ranked by time.

VASRA Championships and State Rankings

Novice, JV, and Varsity:
- Novice crews are made up of first-year rowers, regardless of grade. These athletes are new to the sport and compete against other novices.
- Junior Varsity (JV) boats include more experienced athletes who are not yet at the varsity level.
- Varsity rowers represent the top athletes on the team, often with several years of rowing experience. Varsity events are typically the most competitive at any regatta.
Virginia State Championships: VASRA organizes the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Championships (VSRC), the culminating event of the spring season. Boats qualify for the state championships based on their performance in earlier regattas. Typically, the top finishers from each boat category (varsity, JV, novice) will compete for state titles.
- Progression to Nationals: Top varsity boats from the state championships may qualify to compete in Scholastic Nationals, where they will face off against the best high school crews from across the country.

Out-of-State Regattas

While VASRA events are the primary competitions for Virginia rowing teams, some clubs travel to out-of-state regattas for additional competition. These regattas may follow a different structure than VASRA events, so here’s what to expect:

Race Structure: Out-of-state regattas may not follow VASRA’s block schedule. Some regattas may have heats in the morning and finals in the afternoon, meaning teams could be on-site all day.
Distance and Format: While most high school races in the U.S. are between 1,500 and 2,000 meters, some events, like head races (longer races held in the fall), could vary in distance. Make sure to check the race information ahead of time.
Heat Sheets and Results: Like VASRA, out-of-state regattas post heat sheets and results online. Be sure to check the host regatta’s website or app for updates. These regattas may use platforms like HereNow or RegattaCentral for live results.
Logistics: Out-of-state regattas often involve travel and staying overnight. Teams will typically carpool or use buses, and parents may be asked to assist with transporting equipment. The coach will provide details on travel arrangements, accommodations, and any team fees related to out-of-state competitions.

Preparing for the Big Day

What to Bring: Whether it’s a VASRA event or an out-of-state regatta, families should come prepared with the following essentials:
- Seating: Folding chairs or cushions for grandstands.
- Weather Gear: Sunscreen, hats, layers, and rain gear to prepare for any weather conditions.
- Food and Water: Pack snacks, water, and cash for concessions.
- Binoculars and Cameras: Enhance your viewing experience and capture the action.
Support Your Athlete: Regattas are a “hurry up and wait” experience. Expect long periods of downtime between races, and remember that your athlete may be focused on their races and not have much time to socialize during the day. Cheer them on when their race comes by, but also be mindful that they need time to rest and prepare between races.

How Does the Race Day Work?

VASRA regattas use a block schedule, which means certain boat categories race in the morning or afternoon to avoid all-day commitments.
Heat sheets, listing race times and lane assignments, are posted online a day or two before the event. Stay updated via the VASRA website or their Mastodon page.

Spectating at Regattas

Grandstands: At Sandy Run Regional Park, spectators can watch from the grandstands near the finish line. Seats are concrete, so bring a cushion.
Alternative Viewing: Some areas allow lawn chairs, but space is often limited, so arriving early is recommended.
Binoculars and Cameras are helpful for a better view, as boats move quickly.
Parking and Shuttles: Parking is limited, and shuttles are available for transport to the grandstands.

What Should You Bring?

Seating: Grandstands are concrete—bring chairs or cushions for comfort.
Weather Gear: Be prepared for all weather types. Bring sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, and layers.
Food and Water: Snacks and water are essential, especially if concessions are limited.
Cash: Many vendors at Sandy Run only accept cash.
No Pets: Dogs are not allowed at Sandy Run on race days.

Safety Tips

The most common regatta injuries are head injuries from riggers (the parts of the boat that hold the oars). Stay alert, especially near boats being carried to the docks.
Stay off the docks unless instructed, as they are often busy with athletes moving boats in and out of the water.

Understanding the Races

Rowers race in different boat types, including sweep boats (where each rower has one oar) and sculling boats (where each rower has two oars).
Boats are classified by the number of rowers: 8s, 4s, 2s, or singles. For example:
- M-1-8: Men’s first eight
- W-N-4: Women’s novice four
Races progress from heats to finals, with the fastest boats moving forward.

Challenges at Sandy Run Regional Park

Cell Service: Cell phone service can be unreliable due to overloaded towers during large events.
Water Availability: Potable water may not always be available, so plan accordingly.
Restrooms: Most are portable toilets, and they can run out of supplies—bring your own tissues and hand sanitizer.

Rowing Terminology

Blades: Another word for oars.
Coxswain (Cox): The person in charge of steering the boat and directing the crew.
Bow: The front of the boat, or the rower closest to the front.
Stroke: The rower closest to the back of the boat who sets the rhythm for the crew.
Catch a Crab: When a rower’s oar gets stuck in the water, which can slow the boat or cause injury.

Additional Tips for Families

Volunteering: Regattas require numerous volunteers, and parents are often asked to help with various tasks. Check with your child’s rowing club for opportunities to get involved.
Support Your Athlete: Regattas are long days, so bring food, water, and encouragement. Athletes often need to focus on their races, so don’t be offended if they are not chatty.
Cheer Loudly: You only get a short time to see your athlete race, so cheer them on when they pass by!

Conclusion

Regattas are a unique part of your rower’s experience. They offer a chance to support your athlete and bond with other families while watching exciting races. Be prepared, stay informed, and enjoy the day!

For more details, you can always consult the VASRA website or your local rowing club.