Regattas & Camps

regattas_HOTO3

HOTO Instructions

General Entry Rules

Club: Open to all crews. Colleges interested in participating in Sunday club events must first compete in the corresponding collegiate event on Saturday.

Lightweights: Weigh-in begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Upper Boathouse Registration Desk on the day of the event.

Lightweight Singles:

  • Men: not over 165 lbs. 
  • Women: not over 135 lbs.

Lightweight Fours/Eights:

  • Men: rowers’ weights not over 165 lbs., no averaging.
  • Women: rowers’ weights not over 135 lbs., no averaging.

Masters Team Boats: No handicapping for all events. Coxswains excluded from age restrictions.

Each competitor must be at least 22 years of age AND the average age of each boat MUST be over 30. This does NOT include the coxswain. Age categories are broken up based on ten year increments (30+, 40+, 50+, 60+, 70+) and may be adjusted by number of entries. If an event is undersubscribed, it will be held with the closest age group BUT will receive a separate medal for that age group.

Junior or Youth Events: Must be less than 19 years of age the day of the regatta. No college students may participate.

Registration and Awards

Medals:

  • First place: 1-3 entries
  • Second place: 4-7 entries
  • Third place: 8-15 entries
  • Fourth place: 16-25 entries
  • Fifth place: 26+ entries 

Note that age-based medals may be awarded for those age groups that have been combined with others (see Masters rules).

For combined races Championship, Lightweight, Youth, and Masters will be awarded medals as separate events.

Entry Deadline: See Registration website.

Entry Limits: Entries may be closed early should we reach the maximum total number of entries we are allowed by the Park Authority to run each day. We will set up a wait list and notify crews should they be accepted. No additional entries will be added 5 days before the start fo the event.

Registration Questions: Should you have a specific question about registration (cancellations, moves, etc.) please refer to our registration site.

Fees: See Registration website.

Penalties

Starting Penalty: Entries that miss the final call for their event and or start out of order will be assessed a 30-second penalty. They will still be allowed to race when deemed safe to do so by the Starter.

Race Course Penalties: 15 second penalty for each bouy.

Getting Passed: When a passing crew (the Passer) closes to within 2 boat lengths of open water on the boat being overtaken, it is the responsibility of the slower crew to yeild the line chosen by the Passer in a timely manner. The yield should be completed by the time the Passer has closed to within 1 boat length. A crew failing to yeild will incur the following interference penalties:

  • 1st infraction         60 second penalty
  • 2nd infraction       disqualification from the regatta

Safety when passing: A passing crew (the Passer) has the right to pass on the side of its choice if and when a safe pass can be accomplished. The Passer must allow sufficient room for both their boat and the boat being overtaken to stay safely within the racecourse. If a pass is attempted, the Passer shall not press the right to overtake to the point of severe collision. If a crew causes a severe collision that crew may be assessed a 60 second penalty as well.

Arriving at the Park

Trailer Parking: Each trailer must complete an online trailer application. Team registrants will receive this application immediately after registering boats. The trailer application will provide you with available arrival times and other key information. If you have questions do not hesitate to contact us at gro.cbowornull@OTOH.

Boat Rigging and Launching: Sandy Run Regional Park has limited boat rigging areas and as such strictly notes areas that are acceptable to rig and not rig your shells. Please assist the park staff in ensuring your shell is not in the way of vehicles, pedestrian traffic, etc. OBC is working with the park staff to open new areas to athletes and teams to allow them more space to rig and store boats.

Launch Schedule: The Regatta Directors will maintain a very strict launch schedule in order to ensure the regatta is run on schedule. Should you arrive late (after the final bell and call for your event) you may be turned away from your event. When launching, please make sure to bring your oars with you as our volunteers will direct your shell to the least congested dock. 

Handicap Access: Sandy Run Regional Park offers all of its patrons parking access at the top of the boathouses at Sandy Run. Should you have any special needs please don’t hesitate to contact us at gro.cbowornull@OTOH.