RegattaCentral

WELCOME TO YEAR 2 OF THE FERRYMANS CHALLENGE. TFC is a one-day championship level sprint race on July 27th in the Washington DC area, Sandy Run Regional Park. For 2025 we are shaking things up and holding 1500m races (Now the only Olympic distance regatta in America???) *except every highschool race ever*  - fully buoyed, start platform, finish tower, the works.

Just like last year, we are offering sponsor provided prizes, cash, and unique hand-forged medals to the winners, recognizing athletes for their athletic achievements and dedication. Our race initiative aims to fill the current void in financial and general support for upper-level rowers, elevating the standard of US competitive rowing. We will also be donating to organizations focusing on environmental/watershed health, as well as inclusion and accessibility to the sport. Continue to monitor our Instagram & website for updated prizes.

Timing & Schedule - All schedules, heatsheets, results will be posted on HereNOW. The Link will be set up soon and posted here as well.

Masters events will use the US Rowing handicap formula. We will seed heats by age to provide the closest matchups. The age of a team boat will be the average age of all of the rowers. The coxswain is not included in the average age. If a boats average age would be just under 45, we will allow case-by-case exceptions and adjust the handicap accordingly.

Parking - Parking passes will be available to purchase ahead of the event on our website store. Teams may purchase team-passes to save. Parking on-site will be $20 for vehicles with 1-2 people and $15 for 3+. Car Toppers and Trailers park for free of course. ||| There will be a free ADA accessable van shuttle to the grandstands viewing area prioritized for attendees with disabilites and those who would find it difficult to walk the trail to the grandstands.

Practice time, trailer drop off - The course will be available for practice on Saturday 26th. Parking lots open for trailers and cartoppers from 1100-1900. Boats must be off the water before sunset. Please visit our traffic maps on the website for information on traffic patterns at the Occoquan for both practice/race day.

Youth Events - For U19 events, all rowers must be under the age of 19 by the date of the Regatta. If a graduating senior has JUST turned 19 this summer, coaches may appeal to include them in their U19 boat. For more information on youth and collegiate athletes accepting prizes, please visit the Prizes and Eligibility page on our website, and discuss with your Coach/Parents. Prizes can be donated to the club with Coaches/Directors approval.

Medals & Prizes will be presented in front of the grandstands following the final of each event. If your boat wins a prime or the final, you will be instructed by an official to the awards dock. Visit the sponsors page for our list of sponsors.

Payment - All payments are due at the time of registration.  There will be no refunds for event cancellation for events outside of TFC's control.  There wil be no refunds for scratches received after the registration deadline. All refunds are processed by Regatta Central the week after the regatta.

Free Agents & Boat Rentals - Need a last minute fill-in? Or do you want to race in a team boat but don't have a big team? Or maybe you want to race an 8 but cant get your boat here. Join the free agent list or get in touch with us and we can try to help coordinate a shell rental. 

Double Racing - There are no rules to how many times an athlete can race. We would recommend no more than 2 events, though last year we had athletes race in 3 and a few in 4. Please review the preliminary schedule and our schedule/results from last year to get an idea of timing. We are working to fine-tune the schedule to better accomodate double-racing both athletes and shells. We would recommend at least 45 minutes in between races otherwise you wont make the 2nd one.

Miscellaneous - Bow numbers will be provided, but bring your own in case they do not fit or there are unexpected issues. There will be a first aid tent, and our athlete "cool-down zone" with free refreshments, snacks, misting fan.

Please visit our website at theferrymanschallenge.com and follow us on instagram @ferrymanschallenge