RegattaCentral

1st Annual New Bedford Popes Island Regatta
Saturday, October 9, 2010

Welcome to the first annual New Bedford Popes Island Regatta! We are thrilled to be hosting
this event on the waters of New Bedford Harbor and expect it will be the first of many such events.
New Bedford Community Rowing was formed earlier this year with the goal of making rowing
accessible to everyone, regardless of background. We kicked off Learn-to-Row programs for high school
students and adults over the summer and launched competitive teams this fall.In less than six months,
we've already taught dozens of students and adults to row. You can spot our crews out on the water in the
early morning and in the evening, joining in with the whale boats, the commercial fishing boats and the
recreational boats that make New Bedford Harbor so diverse and vibrant.

This event would not have been possible without the support and assistance of Mayor Scott W. Lang
and his office, the New Bedford Economic Development Council and the Harbor Development Commission.
Thank you for joining us.

Sincerely,
Carolyn McGonagle
Executive Director
New Bedford Community Rowing
www.newbedfordcommunityrowing.org

NOTES:

Be sure to attend the Coaches and Coxswains meeting on race day for any schedule or course changes.
If you miss the meeting, please check at the registration table for any changes.

It's only about 1km from the launch site to the starting line so it is suggested that crews get a good land
warm-up prior to launching their boats.

Crews should plan to launch from the dock with bows facing downriver. Be aware of the rope at the end of
the dock, and make sure you are clearing it with your skeg.

Make sure all boats will pass heel tie and bow ball inspection before you arrive at the docks to launch.

Regatta Rules:

Course:

The Popes Island Regatta is a 5000m loop starting just south of I-195 and ending just before entering
the canal heading toward I-195. The course takes the racers south along the New Bedford side of the
Acushnet River, under the Fish Island swing bridge. The crews will then race around Crow's Island,
past the launching docks at regatta center and under the bridge on the other side of Popes Island.
Once crews are clear of the bridge, it is a straight shot to the finish line just short of the start line on
the Fairhaven side of the river.  

Travel lanes:

When paddling up to the start line, crews will start toward the middle of the river with racing crews
overtaking their starboard side.  Once the racers have crossed the finish line, they will return to the
docks following the Fairhaven shoreline, giving the racing crews space to finish their race.  There will
be an official launch north of the bridge to give returning crews clearance to cross the course and
continue under the bridge and return to the docks.  

Launch site:

It is suggested that crews get a good land warm-up prior to launching their boats. The start line is a little
over 1km from the bridge, and there is enough traffic on the water that crews may not get a good warm-up
in.  Suggested launch time is 30 minutes prior to race start time. 

Buoys:

The course will be marked by buoys primarily on the port side. This will be to designate the turns.
When turning and passing buoys, please keep buoys to the port side of your shell. Buoys that
need special attention will be brought to your attention at the coaches and coxswains' meeting.  

Start:

Each team is responsible for getting to the start line in time to line up and be called to the race. Boats
will be started in order of bow number at approximately ten second intervals. Boats arriving late to
the start line can potentially be added in to the flow however the official has the right to exclude the boat
from racing or add on a penalty.  

Finish:

Participants not passing between the two finishing buoys with bow marker intact are subject to exclusion
from the race.  Once beyond the finish line, boats MUST clear the finish line and row clear of the race
path.  Please follow buoys to the port side.

After the finish, turn to the right and follow the Fairhaven shore downstream. At the safety launch, wait
until the official tells you to cross and then follow the Popes Island shore back to the dock.

Registration and Check-in:

Check-in is required at the regatta. There will be a check-in booth set up at the Popes Island Marina
parking lot starting at 10:00 on Saturday. Your bow number and bib will be given to you then, along with an
event program and any important race-day information.

Equipment:

All boats launching must have their bowmarkers secured. Bowmarkers will be collected at the launch site.
BOWCLIPS: All boats must have a bow clip to which a bowmarker can be secured.
BOW BALL: All shells must be equipped with a bowball.
HEEL STRAPS: All boats must have heel straps in place at lunch time per USRA rules.
BIBS: These should be pinned to bow seat rower.

Additional Information:

Parking

Trailer arrival and parking - Trailer parking will be available in the Popes Island Marina parking lot,
located on the south side of Popes Island across from the Dunkin' Donuts. The lot is available on Friday,
but no overnight security will be provided.

Spectator parking - Some parking will be available in the Popes Island Marina parking lot.
Overflow parking is available at Fairhaven High School, located just a few blocks east down Route 6.

Miscellaneous

Regatta/Registration office - The registration table will be located at the southern edge of the Popes
Island Marina parking lot.

Spectators - The best place to watch the race will be from Popes Island.

Bathroom facilities - Port-o-Potties will be located on Popes Island.

Results - Results will be posted at the registration table.

First aid location - An ambulance and paramedics will be on scene at Popes Island throughout the day.
Additionally, there will be medical personnel out on the water.

Shell storage/handling - There is no rack space available at this venue. All crews should bring their own
blocks/slings.

Washing station - A washing station will be set up between the registration table and the dock.