Regatta Updates

SarInviteRegatta08
  • OCTOBER 27nd, 2022

    C&C will be tonight at 7:30 PM on zoom, link invitation below.
    We will post the slides and notes from the meeting if you cannot make it. The coxswain guide can be found here.
     
     
    Saratoga Regatta is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
    Topic: Head of the Fish 2020 C&C Meeting
    Time: Oct 27, 2022 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
    Join Zoom Meeting
    Meeting ID: 864 0522 9175
    Passcode: 964488
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    Meeting ID: 864 0522 9175
    Passcode: 964488
    Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/ksvctMm4J
     
     
    Trailer Arrival Info:
    • Trailers can arrive beginning Friday from 10AM-8PM.
    • Saturday morning trailers have to be in by 7AM.
    • Sunday only trailers may arrive after 6:30PM on Saturday or before 7AM on Sunday. I'd suggest parking your trailer at the Wilton Mall or the Walmart in Wilton (both about 10 minute drive) if you need storage during racing on Saturday.
    • Trailer parking will be in the state boat launch and Lee's Park campground. We will direct you when you arrive with your trailer.
    • Please text/ call me if you have any issues on your way.
     
     
    A few other notes:
    • You can pick up your registration packet in the SRA training center when you arrive, please note you will not be allowed to pick up your packet unless your streamline bill has been paid.
    • Parking passes will be included in the registration packets.
    • Masters- please finalize your lineups in streamline if you have not done so already. You will not receive your handicap if you do not submit your lineup with ages.
    • If your crew is highlighted in yellow on the schedule (linked above) that means we do not have ages for you and you will not receive a handicap.
    • No practice Friday anytime or Saturday following racing, there will be no safety launches and no parking available for team buses or vehicles on Friday.
    • Coaches can drop trailers and do some rigging in your trailer spot.
    • Car Toppers will be directed to car topper parking by volunteers as you arrive. You can park your car in the car topper parking and then get your registration packet, please do not try to park at the training center.
    • Off site car parking will be at the Saratoga Casino and shuttle buses will be available every 15 minutes between the Casino and the Saratoga State Boat Launch. Parking is free and it is $5 to ride the shuttle (pay once for all rides, not every time.) The shuttle will run from 6AM and until after all the racing has ended and everyone has been returned to their car.
    • The Casino is located at 21 Nelson Ave Saratoga Springs, NY.
     
     
    Here is a link to parent/ spectator information, which will continue to be updated as the regatta gets closer.
     
     
    State Boat Launch Site Map
     
    Lee's Park Site Map
     
    We are looking forward to a great regatta! Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
     
    Best,
    Kristi
     
     
     
     
     
  • OCTOBER 17nd, 2022

    Last chance for general registration for the 2022 Head of the Fish regatta! General registration closes at midnight on October 18th (that means 12AM so the very end of Monday night) Click here to get your last minute entries in on streamline!
     
    Late registration will run from the 18th to midnight on the 24th (again 12AM so the end of Sunday the 23rd - so if you are going to be away at the Charles all weekend, best to get everything in before you travel!)
     
    Important also is that this year there will be a scratch fee if you scratch crews after the 25th
     
    I know there are a lot of boats on the waitlist, I will try my hardest to get all of these boats in and if you entered them in general registration there will be no late fee even if I enter them after the general registration period has ended.
    If you have any scratches you need to make, please make them sooner rather than later.
     
     
    A few other notes:
    • No practice Friday anytime or Saturday following racing, there will be no safety launches and no parking available for team buses or vehicles on Friday.
    • Coaches can drop trailers and do some rigging in your trailer spot.
    • Trailers can arrive beginning Friday from 10AM-9PM. On Saturday morning trailers have to be in by 7AM.
    • Sunday only trailers may arrive after 6:30PM on Saturday or before 7AM on Sunday. I'd suggest parking your trailer at the Wilton Mall or the Walmart in Wilton (both about 10 minute drive) if you need storage during racing on Saturday.
    • Trailer parking will be in the state boat launch and Lee's Park campground. We will direct you when you arrive with your trailer.
    • Please understand we allocate spots based on the length of time you are staying, and arguing with me or volunteers when you arrive will not change anything. Pre planning on our part allows ample space for everyone so you can all have the best possible experience.
    • Off site car parking will be at the Saratoga Casino and shuttle buses will be available every 15 minutes between the Casino and the Saratoga State Boat Launch. Parking is free and it is $5 to ride the shuttle (pay once for all rides, not every time.) The shuttle will run from 6AM and until after all the racing has ended and everyone has been returned to their car.
    • The Casino is located at 21 Nelson Ave Saratoga Springs, NY.
    • The coaches & coxswain meeting will be virtual on zoom again on Thursday evening the 27th at 7:30PM. I will also share a coxswain guide and the slides from the meeting if you cannot attend.
     
     
    Please visit this link to purchase trailer spots, parking passes and food tent spots. More information below:
     
    Please sign in to register on donor snap, it keeps our records current and pre fills your info the next time you log in. If you forgot your password the site will email it to you. Thank you!
     
    • Trailers:
    • $150 per trailer
    • Please sign up for a slot either Saturday only, Sunday only or both Saturday and Sunday.
    • Each trailer will be $150 no matter how long you stay, but it is important to know which days you will be parked so we can get you in the correct space.
    • Your tow vehicle will be given a parking pass and if you'd like to park in the trailer area you must park like you are hitched up. Alternatively you can park in on site parking if you'd prefer more trailer space. You will not be allowed to drive your tow vehicle through the trailer yard once racing has begun.
    • Parking passes:
    • Bus passes will be $45 per bus per day.
    • This is for on site bus parking, buses will be allowed to drop off/ pick up and park offsite for free.
    • On site parking passes will be $20 per car, per day. Each team can purchase up to two of these passes for each day. All other parking will be off site (more info below.)
    • Car toppers please register your car here, this is a separate link ONLY for car toppers. If you try to use this link to outsmart the system there will be consequences.
    • Food tent sites:
    • Each team may purchase one food tent site per day for $200.
    • The spots will be in Lee's park.
    • Each food tent site will include two parking spots also in Lee's park (you can still purchase the two above mentioned spots if you would like.)
    • The food tents are for athletes.
    • If you are a coach registering a food tent you will be given an option to add an additional food tent contact (example, some teams have parents in charge of food tents.) We will be using those contacts to share food tent specific details.
    • You are welcome to put up at 10x10 tent in your trailer space as an alternative to purchasing a food tent.
     
    • Here is a link to parent/ spectator information, which will continue to be updated as the regatta gets closer.
    • We will be sending out food tent specific information to those who have purchased food tents, including set up info and contacts.
  • OCTOBER 31nd, 2021

    Good Morning! Thank you and congratulations to everyone yesterday for an awesome day one of racing at Head of the Fish 2021!
    Below are some notes to help us all have a safe, fast and fun day today:
     
    Results can be found here, please notice there are two tabs at the bottom, one for Saturday and one for Sunday. There is also a link to the results page directly on our website and you can find results updates on our Instagram.
     
    Schedule: Can be seen here, please let me know if you need to scratch any entries. We also have copies of the schedule at the SRA TC where you pick up registration. I'd recommend downloading the schedule before arrival today as the cell phone service can be spotty.
     
    Registration packet pickup at the SRA Training Center, teams that have not picked up registration yet: Lewis S Mills Crew, Berkshire Sculling, Brooks School. Please have a coach come and pick up your packets when you arrive! Thanks.
    If you have scratches please let me know.
     
    We are selling official 2021 Head of the Fish Posters at registration and medals (located in the vendor tent)
     
    Coxswain guide has been updated and can be found here. The coaches and coxswain meeting zoom call can be watched here and the deck from the c&c can be found here.
     
    Parking: Only cars with a pre registered parking pass will be allowed to park at the regatta site, all others will be redirected to off site parking at the Saratoga Casino. Parking will be at no cost but there will be a $5 charge to ride the shuttle, which will be on a 15 minute loop from both locations. The casino is about a 5-7 minute drive from the regatta site.
    All parking information including maps can be found on our website.
    The shuttle will run until everyone has returned to their cars at the Casino at the end of the day.
     
    Athlete Drop-Off and Pick-Up: Please listen to volunteers and follow signs/ directions to athlete drop off and pick up. You cannot drop off or park in other areas! Thank you in advance for following these guidelines to help keep traffic flowing and pedestrians safe!
     
    Vendor Tent: As a reminder we have an awesome (& heated & dry!) vendor "tent-city" including awesome vendors: N&D with our Official Head of the Fish Regatta Merch, SouthBay, Wears Woody and US Rowing Marketplace. We also have food vendors, East Coast Pizza (delicious pizza and hot soup!), Simply Food by Maura (breakfast sandwiches and coffee!), Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and an awesome treat for those of age and to consume responsibly, Bound by Fate Brewing!
    Come say hi and see what they all have to offer.
    We also have a LARGE (heated & dry) tent with tables and chairs for you to relax and recover underneath!!
     
    If you want a regatta break be sure to head downtown and visit some of our off-site regatta sponsors, Toga HeritageTailgate and Party and iRun Local! Be sure to mention you are here for the regatta for special promotions!
  • OCTOBER 28nd, 2021

    Please join us tonight on Zoom for the coaches and coxswains meeting at 7PM. The meeting will also be recorded and a link posted to our website if anyone is unable to attend.
     
    Saratoga Rowing is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
    Topic: Head of the Fish C&C
    Time: Oct 28, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)Join Zoom Meeting
    Passcode: 721153
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    Meeting ID: 831 1509 8167
    Passcode: 721153
    Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kWHw07dld
     
    See updates on our Instagram and our website
     
    Schedule: Can be seen here, please let me know if you need to scratch any entries. The schedule is also available on our website
     
    Results: Will be posted both on our website and on the Saratoga Rowing Instagram, paper results will also be posted at the regatta site.
     
    Coxswain guide has been updated and can be found here.
     
    Registration packet pickup at the SRA Training Center Friday 2PM-7PM, Saturday and Sunday 6AM-3PM. Parking passes will be in team registration packets. Trailers and car toppers can drive in without passes when you first arrive.
     
    As a reminder, the cell phone service in Lee's Park can be a bit spotty. Have a plan for pick up/ drop offs before hand.
     
    Trailer Parking: See the trailer list here, like always we cannot give individual trailer spots in advance because it depends when you arrive. Check in with me (and potentially celebrity Chase) when you arrive with trailer. Trailers for Saturday-Only racing and Saturday & Sunday racing may begin arriving on 10am the Friday (the 29th) before the regatta. 
    Sunday-Only competitors may not arrive until Saturday at 6pm.
    Both Friday and Saturday night please arrive before 9PM.
     
    Parking: Please fill out this link for parking at Lee's Campground
    Every car at Lee's Campground will require a pre-registered parking pass, given out in registration packets (excluding Handicapped parking which will be first come, first serve.)
    This includes Tow Vehicles, who will have no cost but please fill out the form to get your parking pass.
    Car toppers are a $5 cost, there will be a separate area for car toppers but please pre register so you can also receive a parking pass.
    Each team can pre register for up to TWO parking passes (can be used for team vehicles, coaches or athletes) at $20 per day.
    Buses should also pre register for bus parking passes at $45 each day with this link. Team buses can drop off without a parking pass, but can only wait at the regatta with a parking pass.
    Off site parking is at the Saratoga Casino, parking will be at no cost but there will be a $5 charge to ride the shuttle, which will be on a 15 minute loop from both locations. The casino is about a 5-7 minute drive from the regatta site.
    All parking information including maps can be found on our website.
     
    Athlete Drop-Off and Pick-Up: Athletes can be dropped off and picked up right from the regatta site, there will be a specific drop off/ pick up loop and zone (marked by signs and a tent.) This page has a map of the loop. The pick up and drop off loop will be no loitering (airport style loop, if your athlete is not ready you will be asked to do a loop.)
     
    COVID Policy: Based on current CDC guidelines, competitors and fans who are not yet fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must continue to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth at all times while at an SRA regatta except when actively racing, eating or drinking. Furthermore all competitors and fans will be required to wear a face covering while in the vendor tent
     
    Food at the Regatta: If you ordered catering it can be dropped off at the front of the SRA Training Center, an announcement will be made and your team can come collect the food. This way delivery vehicles do not need to drive into the regatta. Below is the list of catering options if you still need catering:
    • Putnam Market: SRA family owned and operated local favorite specialty food shop.
    • 9 Miles East Farm: Local farm turned restaurant designed to deliver healthy food to busy people, a SRA favorite and frequently visited.
    • Panera: The one, the only but with a Saratoga flare
    • Spring Street Deli: High school hot spot with wide variety of options
    • Bread Basket: Local bakery boxed lunches $15-18 each, options available on their Website
    • There will also be breakfast & lunch options available for day of purchase in the vendor tent
  • OCTOBER 22nd, 2021

    Parking: Please fill out this link for parking at Lee's Campground
    Every car at Lee's Campground will require a pre-registered parking pass, given out in registration packets (excluding Handicapped parking which will be first come, first serve.)
    This includes Tow Vehicles, who will have no cost but please fill out the form to get your parking pass.
    Car toppers are a $5 cost, there will be a separate area for car toppers but please pre register so you can also receive a parking pass.
    Each team can pre register for up to TWO parking passes (can be used for team vehicles, coaches or athletes) at $20 per day.
    Buses should also pre register for bus parking passes at $45 each day with this link. Team buses can drop off without a parking pass, but can only wait at the regatta with a parking pass.
    Off site parking is at the Saratoga Casino, parking will be at no cost but there will be a $5 charge to ride the shuttle, which will be on a 15 minute loop from both locations. The casino is about a 5-7 minute drive from the regatta site.
    All parking information including maps can be found on our website.
     
    Athlete Drop-Off and Pick-Up: Athletes can be dropped off and picked up right from the regatta site, there will be a specific drop off/ pick up loop and zone (marked by signs and a tent.) This page has a map of the loop. The pick up and drop off loop will be no loitering (airport style loop, if your athlete is not ready you will be asked to do a loop.)
     
    Coaches and Coxswain Meeting: will be on Zoom this year, at 7 PM on Thursday Oct 28th. A link will be shared closer to the meeting. The meeting will be recorded and a copy posted on our website. The coxswain guide has been updated and can be found here.
     
    Entries due: Sunday Oct 24 at midnight. Heat sheets will be released by Wednesday the 27th. Any changes that need to be made after the deadline should contact me directly.
     
    Trailer Parking: Trailers for Saturday-Only racing and Saturday & Sunday racing may begin arriving on 10am the Friday (the 29th) before the regatta. Check in with the regatta director upon arrival to be directed to your correct parking place.
    Sunday-Only competitors may not arrive until Saturday at 6pm.
    Both Friday and Saturday night please arrive before 9PM.
     
    COVID Policy: Based on current CDC guidelines, competitors and fans who are not yet fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must continue to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth at all times while at an SRA regatta except when actively racing, eating or drinking. Furthermore all competitors and fans will be required to wear a face covering while in the vendor tent
     
    Food at the Regatta: There will be no food tents, food tent spaces or chuck wagons at the regatta. Below are local catering options (menus linked, many of our local vendors are offering special prices and options just for the regatta, and will deliver right to the site!) Trailer spaces will be bigger than normal to have space for a tent for athletes to eat/ lounge. There will also be plenty of space in vendor tent with tables and chairs for athletes to eat.
    • Putnam Market: SRA family owned and operated local favorite specialty food shop.
    • 9 Miles East Farm: Local farm turned restaurant designed to deliver healthy food to busy people, a SRA favorite and frequently visited.
    • Panera: The one, the only but with a Saratoga flare
    • Spring Street Deli: High school hot spot with wide variety of options
    • Bread Basket: Local bakery boxed lunches $15-18 each, options available on their Website
    • There will also be breakfast & lunch options available for day of purchase in the vendor tent
  • OCTOBER 8th, 2021

     
    • COVID Policy: Based on current CDC guidelines, competitors and fans who are not yet fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must continue to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth at all times while at an SRA regatta except when actively racing, eating or drinking. Furthermore all competitors and fans will be required to wear a face covering while in the vendor tent
    • Food Tents: We will not have any food tents at the regatta this year, including no chuck wagons or food tent spaces. Below you will find local catering options, all of which can be delivered right to the regatta.
    • Spectators: Will be allowed in vendor/ spectator areas. Parents and spectators will not be allowed in team rigging/ launching areas.
    • Vendors: We will have a vendor tent with regatta merchandise, and food and drink. Masks are required inside the vendor tent unless actively eating or drinking.
    • Car Parking: Each team will be given the option to purchase up to 2 on-site parking spots (this will become available once registration closes.) All other regatta parking will be 10 min offsite with shuttle service. Off site parking will be free with a small fee for the shuttle. Any illegal parking on site is subject to towing and/or ticketing.
    • Athlete drop off: Athletes can be dropped off at the regatta site, there will be a drop off and pick up loop clearly marked.
    • Bus Parking: Bus parking is available at the regatta site, bus parking spots will become available once registration closes.
    • Streamline registration: please let me know if you have any issues registering with streamline.
    Regatta catering options (menus linked, many of our local vendors are offering special prices and options just for the regatta, and will deliver right to the site!) Trailer spaces will be bigger than normal to have space for a tent for athletes to eat/ lounge. There will also be plenty of space in vendor tent with tables and chairs for athletes to eat.
    • Putnam Market: SRA family owned and operated local favorite specialty food shop.
    • 9 Miles East Farm: Local farm turned restaurant designed to deliver healthy food to busy people, a SRA favorite and frequently visited.
    • Panera: The one, the only but with a Saratoga flare
    • Spring Street Deli: High school hot spot with wide variety of options
    • Bread Basket: Local bakery boxed lunches $15-18 each, options available on their Website
    • There will also be breakfast & lunch options available for day of purchase in the vendor tent
  • September 1, 2021

    • Trailer registration is available on the main registration page, please register for as many trailers as your team needs per day (ex. if you are sharing a trailer with another team only one of you needs a trailer spot.)
    • Trailers for Saturday may arrive Friday between noon and 8PM. Trailers only for Sunday cannot arrive until after 7PM (and before 9PM) on Saturday to allow time for Saturday only trailers to depart once racing has concluded. If you are planning to arrive on either Saturday or Sunday morning please contact me directly.
    • Masters events except for age block 1xs are age handicapped. For age handicapped event please enter lineups with ages.
    • All Juniors events are on Sunday except for girls and boys U15, U17 and U19 1xs on Saturday afternoon.
    • At this point we are unsure if we will have team tents, if they are allowed we will reach out and bill separately.
    • Expect an email about bus and car parking permits in the coming weeks.
    • We will follow the COVID-19 situation and follow local and state guidelines to keep the regatta safe for everyone involved.
    • Registration is open until October 18th, with late registration from October 19-26.
    • We are working on a virtual component to the regatta (for a few separate virtual events.) Updates on that coming in the next week or so.
  • October 26, 2018

    At least 6 people have called and asked where the info emails are.  In case there are more of you who did not get any emails this week, here are the 2 I have sent in the last 2 days.  Please read to the bottom.  Also, here are some more items:
     
    [1] The Regatta is on.  The weather will be miserable Saturday.  It will be very wet, and very cold on Saturday.  Winds will switch over to 10mph at 10:00am.  From 3:00pm to 5:00pm we will see 13mph.  All Tailwind.  There will be some chop with the double digits.  Sunday has single-digit winds.  The forecast is changing regularly though as to direction.  Right now, they are from the SW (head)
     
    [2] Coaches & Coxswains Mtg.  Will be at 6:30am both mornings.  We will now host this meeting at the corner building (the Training Center) on the first floor.  It will have lights, heat, no rain, and quiet.  As written below, virtually everything you need to know about the racing is found here: https://regatta.saratogarowing.com/  More below about the course.
     
    [3] The most recent Schedule is attached here as well.  As is the Trailer list, and the Food Tent allocations.  
     
    [4] Please dress appropriately for the conditions.
     
    [5] If you have scratches, please send them on to info@saratogarowing.com 
     
    [6] You can follow the results on @nysrowing
  • October 24th, 2018

    Please find some more updates for you on this emails.  Some things I forgot last night, some things I did a poor job of communicating.
     
    [1] The Weather:  Isn't getting any better for the weekend.  It will be cold.  It will be wet (especially on saturday).  It will be breezy.  It is doubtful that we will cancel the regatta.  However, if things got really windy, we would evaluate the ability of some events to handle the conditions.  Above all, expect the tough conditions and prepare your athletes for them please. 
     
    [2] Car-Toppers:  I neglected to mention this last night.  The Car-topper vehicles an park in Lee's Park immediately to the right of the guy collecting parking.  The entire front yard is for the vehicles.  There is green space by the Regatta Camper to rig and put your boats over night (if you come on Friday).  Your cars cannot stay by the Camper though.  They will need to be brought in to load and leave after the race.  
     
    [3] Trailers:  I have attached a trailer chart to this email.  Please take a look at it carefully.  In it, teams are assigned to where they will park.  Should anything be written wrong, or if you don't see your trailer - or the one you are sharing, PLEASE RESPOND IMMEDIATELY.   All trailers must be parking by 11:00pm each night.  Whether you arrive on Friday night, or Saturday night, you must be here.  There will be security for both nights.
    •  If you are coming for both days, you will be parked at Lee's Park (with the exception of the 10 that will line the road in the Boat Launch along the bridge).  For the most part, you will be parked as you arrive.  Some of the bigger teams will have predetermined spaces set aside for their stuff.  The later you arrive, the further back you will be parked.
    • If you are coming for either, Saturday only, or Sunday only, you will be parked on the NYS Boat Launch.  Again, in the order you arrive.  Teams arriving on Saturday night can NOT arrive before 6:00pm to the venue.  If you do, please head to exit 14 and hang out in the mall parking lot.  It will be chaotic with the Saturday teams loading and leaving.  If there is room to begin parking earlier, we will text everyone on the "Remind" app that I mentioned last night (also found below in the email from last night).
    • Again, ALL trailers must be parking by 11:00pm each night.  All Saturday racers must be gone before 5:45pm, and all arrivals must not come before 6:00pm.  Upon arrival, please make sure I give you a tow vehicle parking pass.
    • For the bigger teams, we have some "A" frames that can be used  First-come, first-serve.  We have 5-6 pairs.  They are located on the green spaces by the Regatta Camper in the back of the NYS BL.
    • Tow vehicles for Lee's Park can stay with the trailers.  Tow vehicles for the Boat Launch cannot park in the Boat Launch.  (there would be no rigging space)  They will have space available for them - as you enter Lee's Park, immediately on the left.  This space is ONLY for tow vehicles.  We have used it for 2 years now, and most of you know where it is I think.
    [4] Food Tents:  A revised map has been attached.  Most of the changes came in the 40's row.  Some info on set-up.
    • You are allowed to set up on Friday all day, or, the Saturday night before, or the morning of.  If you set up the Saturday night before, you can't go in there with a vehicle until after 5:00pm.  If you set up in the mornings, your vehicle must be gone by 8:00am.  
    • If you are setting up a space for Sunday that is not being used on Saturday, feel free to set up at any time.  Vehicles are simply not allowed in the area while racing is happening.  However, you can walk your stuff in at any time.  
    • Also, please consolidate the food into one vehicle before it heads to the assigned site.  We regularly have cars who say "we are the food tent parents", and they have 1 loaf of bread or something in their car.  We don't need lots of vehicles in areas people are walking around in.  
    • It will be wet in some places, and we no longer have the guy who brings hay in for sale (RIP).  You are welcome to bring you own in.  Home Depot sells it, and there is a horse supply off East Ave I think.
    • Please make sure all tents are secure.  They should be staked and tied down to withstand the winds for the weekend.  Also, the water from a night of rain will certainly weigh down the roof.
    • Please put all trash from food tents in the 11 dumpsters located near the tent roads.
    [5] EMS & Safety:  The EMS location is next to the Training Center parking lot.  As you turn into the venue, the Training Center is on your right.  You'll find your registration packets in this building as well.  Should you have any emergencies, you should be able to find the ambulance, the Sheriff, and the EMT's from Wilton Ambulance around the lot.  There are also many launches on the water (all with radios), and a Sheriff's Boat patrolling the waterway.  You will normally find Law Enforcement on the pier by the bridge and up on the corner of the main road if you need help.  For emergencies, we have the TC for its space and any other needs it can fill.
     
    [6] Heat Sheets:  They are attached.  There have been several scratches since it was printed, but here it is.  There will be one copy in each registration packet.  Please feel free to make other copies for your extra coaches & parents.
  • October 23rd, 2017

    Hi All

     
    Here is a load of information for everyone.  Please read it all and send any questions/corrections/thoughts along.  
     
    [1] Information:  Here is a link to a great deal of information: https://regatta.saratogarowing.com/head-of-the-fish/#   You'll find maps (racecourse & land venue), Rules & Regulations, etc here.  Also, for all up-to-the-minute bits of information/changes, please feel free to text @saratogarowing to 81010.  This will give you updates and changes throughout the day when needed.
     
    [2] The schedule is found here: https://streamlinerowing.com/regattas/head-of-the-fish-2018-2018/schedule  This one is a 'living document' and changes 20" at a time as people enter late/scratch.  However, it will be very close to the actual.  Tomorrow, I will be sending out the Final schedule with bow #'s.  That document will be the official one for Schedule/Bow #'s.  We will put 1-2 in each race packet, but we won't be printing them all day.  If you would like copies, please print them at home.  Please make sure you have everything (entries) you expected on here.  Also, if you see any boats that should be scratched and off the schedule, please email Susan at info@saratogarowing.com 
     
    [3] Weather:  This weekend has a solid chance of rain & plenty of cold.  The winds will be tailwind all weekend.  Here is the forecast as of this moment:  https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/12866:4:US    Please know that the well-being of the athletes is our priority.  We will NOT launch young athletes who are not dressed for the conditions.  Please make sure your athletes are dressed appropriately.  Having loads of skin exposed doesn't make them tougher.  Please encourage longs sleeves, leggings, hats, layers, etc.  The Judge Referees will simply turn them away at the docks if they are not prepared.  Please also remember, that, if the EMS crew has too many incidents of hypothermia, they can pull the regatta permit - as they can at any regatta in the US.  We, as coaches, need to be responsible.
     
    [4] Waivers:  This is a USRowing sanctioned regatta.  Every athlete was be covered by their Club/HS's insurance (with a waiver signed) or have signed a USRowing basic waiver.  Each coach is responsible to make sure their athletes have one of these options covered. 
     
    [5] Coaches&Coxswains MTG: The meeting will be at 6:30am each morning.  The vast majority of the information is contained in the Coxswain's Packet.  The maps are also online.  I have attached the HoF "starting line protocols" to this email.  Teams are responsible for all information given out at the meeting.  There are coxswain notes here (from the water view with pictures): https://www.saratogarowing.com/coxswain-notes/?SSScrollPosition=0
     
    [6] Seeding:  With just under 2000 entries, seeding the events is a real treat for sure.  Rule of thumb is, we use last year's results to seed.  Then, all 'A's are grouped, then 'B's, and so on.  We did our best to go through every event in this manner.  If you find an event that slipped through, my apologies.  We won't be changing anything at this point.  For Masters' events, we don't get into the "D" entries being seeded top 5, etc.  The assumption is that Teams/Coaches put their fastest crew in the "A" slot, and so on.  There would be no way for us to keep up with all the lineup changes year to year.
     
    [7] Trailers:  Trailers can begin coming in at 9am on Friday morning.  Trailers wll be parked where directed.  There is no argument on this.  Do NOT drop and go please (my truck has a hitch and you won't like your trailer spot when you return - unless you are a hunter).  Trailers that are staying both days, will be parked in Lee's Park (unless otherwise discussed).  Trailers who are ONLY here for Saturday Racing - mainly the colleges - will be parked on the NYS Boat Launch blacktop. At the end of racing on Saturday, those trailers will need to be out by 6:00pm.  At 6:00pm, all the trailers of Sunday-Only crews will be allowed to park in the Boat Launch.  We cannot have trailers lingering from Saturday please.  It will be hard enough getting 35 trailers out, and replacing them with 36 new ones as it gets dark.  I'll have parking passes for the tow vehicles when you arrive.  These passes should NOT be given to any other vehicle for any reason.  The Tow Vehicle passes are included as part of the Park Maintenance Fee.  I'll post a chart of trailer assignments on the web page tomorrow.  
     
    [8] Registration:  Will be found in the corner building as you cross the bridge (on your right as you turn in the venue).  Packets will be available from 2:00pm until 7:00pm Friday.  Registration will also open at 6:00am both mornings.  Should we need to have any emergency meetings for Head Coaches, it will also be held in this Training Center.  Please look through everything and make sure you have all of your bow #s (back & boat), as well as pins.  Bow #'s go on bow seats' and coxswains' backs.  If they are wearing outer garments, please have the #'s on the outside of them.  ALL bow #'s should be returned after racing.  There will be boxes to put them into on the return docks.  Thanks in advance.  (ps. consider taping the to the holder so they aren't blown/knocked off during racing) EMS will also be located at this location.  This is where you will find the ambulance and the EMT's.
     
    [9] Medals/Fish Heads:  All Events with AT LEAST 5 entries will be racing for a Fish Head.  The Medals/Fish Heads will be moved into the vendor tent on Lee's Park this year.  We are trying to reduce the amount of foot traffic out by the busy road.  All Events will be awarding Gold-Silver-Bronze.  In events with many layers of "A", "B". "C" (etc) we will, many times put out GSB for varying layers.  Please note the official results (paper) to see which events will have this.  [assuming we have the medals of course].  
     
    [10] For Masters' events:  Many of you do NOT have your ages in.  Anyone who went in and added them after 3:00pm yesterday will need to send the average age of each Masters entry to Susan at info@saratogarowing.com ASAP.  We will NOT be spending Saturday chasing people's ages down.  Any boat without an age put in, will be given the youngest age that, that category will allow.  Also, we are not looking for teams to be changing their average age repeatedly to "game" the handicap system.  If you want a medal that badly, swing my and I will give you some from the spare box.  Or, you can earn them like everyone else.
     
    [11] Lightweights:  We use the 'honor system' for this race, as they elements are not conducive to stripping down to weigh-in.  The events have all had 5lbs added to them for Winter Weight.  It is expected that EVERY athlete in the boat is at/under the weight on the event title - no averaging.  We reserve the right to weigh in the medal winners at the Regatta Camper.  Plausible deniability is not cool.  If you are racing lightweights, coaches, make sure you are not guessing/hoping.  It's just a race for goodness sake.  If you are asked to weigh-in, and are over the limit, your team will NEVER be allowed to enter the event again.
     
    [12] Trash: There are 11 dumpsters on the venue.  Please utilize them.  All food tents should be bring their trash to the nearest dumpster.  We've tried to put them as close as possible.  There are also bins to put plastic bottles/alum.cans throughout the site.  One of the local Youth Clubs uses the bottles to fund activities.  Thanks for helping them out.
     
    [13] One of the events had the coxswain box not clicked.  It reads as a 4-.  We have no straight fours at the regatta.  All boats are either a coxed four(4+), straight quad (4x), or a coxed quad (4x+).  Sorry for the confusion.  All Fours should have a coxswain.
     
    [14] Registration System vs Timing:  Streamline is the Registration Company that we use.  However, we do timing using an in-house excel based system.  What this means is that any changes made after we download all the data from Streamline will NOT reach the timing sheet unless it is directly sent to Susan at info@saratogarowing.com     So, any Masters' ages or scratches should be sent to her to make sure we have the most up-to-date information on that timing sheet.  Please help by doing this.  If at any point during racing, that you know you will not be racing a bow #, please let us know (text me or email me) so we are not waiting for that boat at the Start or Finish Line.  Thanks in advance.
     
    [15] Parking:  The regatta is hosted on private property.  The Owner will charge per day. Friday will be $10.  Saturday & Sunday will be $15.  Please have the money ready for the collector so that we don't tie up the bridge for hours.  This money goes to the owners of the Park, not to the SRA volunteer who helps collect.  All those cute little quips, or sarcastic comments, or angry words are wasted.  That poor sucker is just getting their volunteer hours in.  Please be respectful.  Also, there are no drop-offs.  This is an issue every year.  Mommy or Daddy wants to drive "precious" as far into the park as possible (heck, right to the trailer's edge if they can) without paying, and then 'promises' to come right out.  No way.  Drop off at Stewarts if you want.  They are athletes and can walk in.  Every year, some entitled parent starts some screaming match with a volunteer, and then get's their feelings hurt & goes and tells the Sheriff.  Coaches, please make sure this isn't one of your parents.  There are NO DROP-OFFS, and no drive-by's.   If you are this parent, stay home please.  
     
    [16] Which brings us to ........ Food Tents (breathe deeply Chris),  I have attached the Food Tent list.  We are trying a new layout with the vendor tent, as well as keeping lots of space along the water clear for spectators. There is space for everyone.  If I missed anyone, please let me know.  The map has Saturday, Sunday, and Both Day assignments on it.  There are areas to put your "chuck wagons".  Set-up can be done Friday (for Saturday tents, and/or Sunday tents where nobody is using the space on Saturday).  Sunday food tents, on space that is being used on Saturday by Colleges, can be set up on Saturday night after 5:00pm or Sunday morning before 8:00am.  ALL VEHICLES MUST BE OUT OF THE AREAS BY THE BEGINNING OF THE FIRST RACE EACH MORNING AT 8:00AM.  NO EXCEPTIONS.  IF YOU CANNOT FOLLOW THE RULES, YOUR TEAM WILL NOT HAVE A FOOD TENT.    The food tent map is also located on the regatta web page.  There will also be signs at the head of each road to help direct people to their site.  Each site is minimum 10'x20'.  Most are actually minimum 13'x25' to make room for tent ropes, etc.  Many are much longer.  Teams I know that have chuck wagons are usually placed near areas to store their wagon, or in spaces that can accommodate it.  In addition, when possible, I tried very hard to put each team's tents near the lot where their Team Trailer is.
     
    Look forward to seeing everyone.  Safe travels.
Head of the Fish  -  October 29-30, 2022
Saratoga, NY