RegattaCentral

Our goal is always to finish early afternoon ahead of potential afternoon thunderstorms. We have a larger number of entries this year and have changed races to 6 minute centers (previous years has been 8 minutes).   This will require crews to be ready to enter the start platform as soon as the previous race starts and know how to back into the platform.

Please share the information below with all members of your group.

The Julia Shew Scholarship Fund has awarded over $98K in crew scholarships to Occoquan juniors because of your support over the years. We thank you for that support and hope that you will want to return and keep this tradition going strong. We hope that each of your entries has their best race and enjoys their time at Sandy Run.

If you need assistance during the event, a "Regatta Organizer" can be found at/near the HQ [bottom of the hill on right].

Take Care,
OMS Organizers

Park logistics for participants and spectators

Results - The timing and results for OMS are being done by RONIN.  The timing sheet should be up Saturday and show handicaps.  Results will be available shortly after each event online. http://www.roninregistration.com?_rtu=11111112455

Parking

PARKING is tight at Sandy Run, please carpool as much as possible.
FREE parking for car-toppers/shell carriers.
All vehicles $10.  Exact change is much appreciated.

Finish line is at the grandstands – For spectators, the shortest trail to the grandstands starts from Lot C.  It’s an approximately 15 minute walk to the grandstand on trail with a few steep inclines and exposed tree roots.  There is also a trail from the lower boathouse to the grandstand.  There is no shuttle available to the grandstand for this event.  There are rest rooms but no drinking water source at the grandstands.

First Aid - An Athletic Trainer will be located near the Regatta HQ to assist anyone attending OMS that needs assistance [competitors/volunteers/spectators]
Prohibited items - As with all regattas at Sandy Run, the following are NOT allowed: alcohol/pets/open flames/grilling/selling/parking outside the park on neighborhood streets (Van Thompson Rd, Hampton, etc).

No food sales available - There will be no food or drink for sale at the race this year, so please pack what you need for the day. 
OMS T-shirts - A limited number of regatta shirts will on sale <location>  for $30 (cash, check, or credit card)
Ice Cream - There is FREE Ice Cream for ALL near the HQ during the event.

 

Race Participants

Draft race sheet - See the final race sheet here: https://www.regattacentral.com/v3/cms/regatta/8496/heat_sheet

Bow numbers - Programs are expected to supply their own bow numbers.

Check your equipment – Avoid launch delays, check your bow balls, heel ties, seats, shoes, rigging

Lightweight – 135 lbs for women, 165 for men.  There will not be weigh-ins.  (we are using the honor system for this race)

Launching - Vehicles are not allowed to drive equipment down the hill, shells must be carried down by crews/individuals.  The short dock is the primary launch dock, the long dock (base of the hill) is the primary recovery dock. Dockmasters will direct you as needed for traffic flow.

Start arrival - You need to plan to be in the area of the start platform 5 minutes before your scheduled start time. Launch from the main docks 30-40 minutes before your race. Be sure your entries know how to back into a solid platform [240 feet X 10 feet].  A starting platform official will be there to assist.

Traffic Pattern - Be sure to follow the OMS Race Day Traffic Pattern, it is very different from the normal practice flow. See the traffic pattern here:   https://www.rowobc.org/regattas-camps/oms

Hot docking - If you have a tight "turn-around" between events, you are encouraged to a) pre-position equipment at the bottom of the "hill" for a quick "grab and go" or b) pre-position crews at the grandstand area docks.

Medals - ALL RACES are finals only with one winner, regardless of the number of age groups in a race. Medals will be awarded at the HQ when results are official. Results will be available on-line.

Race officials - OMS is once again being officiated by a group of experienced local coaches who know well what it takes to have a safe/fair race for everyone. Please give our officials your full cooperation to ensure a smooth/enjoyable competition for all. The VASRA 1000 meter course is fully buoyed and should allow very fair racing IF people stay in their assigned lanes.  Lodge any protests with the referee at the finish line.