Open Ocean Regatta

  • Hosted By: Open Water Rowing Center

The OWRC Open Ocean Regatta features two courses of varying difficulty and length. The courses highlight the incredible scenery and rowing conditions of San Francisco Bay and Richardson Bay. Separate event classes for open water shells, FISA-compliant coastal racing boats, and traditional open-cockpit boats, provide competitive and recreational rowers the opportunity to test themselves in a supportive, fun-filled regatta. For the first time, the Open Ocean Regatta is also welcoming SUPs, OC1s, OC2s, and surfskis, to join our race on one of the worlds best training grounds for water sports.

2022 Race Day Details

Sunday, May 1, 2022 ---- Skippers Meeting / Safety Briefing at 9:00 AM

OWRC will be open at 7:00 AM on race morning.  Between 7:00 AM and 8:45 AM ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST CHECK IN AT THE REGISTRATION DESK. We will start to launch shells as soon as the skippers’ meeting is over, about 9:20 AM.  The start line is just over a mile from OWRC dock and it takes from 15 to 25 minutes to cover that distance. Know your speed and plan to launch early enough so that you will be at the start 10 minutes early. 

Every race participant must carry a Personal Flotation Device (PFD).

Pt. Diablo          Course #1:         Start time 10:00 AM

Strawberry        Course #2:         Start time 10:30 AM

Traditional Boats                        Start time: TBD --  May be earlier

Please be on time to the start.  We will not hold the race for latecomers. If conditions are unsafe the courses and start times will be modified.

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Parking: You will be directed to the boat unloading area as you drive up to the marina entrance.  As soon as you have unloaded your shell (bring slings if you have them), you’ll be directed to a parking space.  Please allow plenty of time to drop off your boat, park off-site and check in.

Boat Numbers: Numbers will be assigned and an email will go out with all numbers two days before the race. Your number should be taped directly onto your boat’s hull (NOT THE DECK) with a dark colored vinyl tape.  Put the number on both sides of the bow as far forward as possible.  The numerals should be approximately 4” high, ½” wide and easy to read.

PFD’s: All boats must have a Personal Flotation Device for each rower.

Launching: All Rowers must check-in with the Dockmaster at the time you launch and must have a waiver submitted. OWRC has a 50’ dock for launching and plenty of volunteers to assist carrying shells to the dock. Since there will be quite a few boats launching, please do not carry your boat down to the dock unless your oars are already on the dock and you are ready to launch.  Leave your shells on slings until then. Long course racers will launch first.  Please follow the Dockmaster’s instructions. 

Traditional boats can launch from the beach or public boat ramps. 

After the race, volunteers will help you carry your shell to your car or the boathouse.  If time and space allow, we’ll give your shell a quick wash down before you load it on your car or rack, if you wish.  Lunch will be held on the boardwalk in front of OWRC, starting at about noon.

Any questions? Call 415 332-1091 or email us at [email protected]

See our website, www.owrc.com, for compass and GPS headings for the courses. Please contact  the regatta/event host with any related questions.  Email:  [email protected] or [email protected]