what to expect on race day

8:30-10:30am Arrival and registration

You will arrive at your starting point- for novices and short-course racers, this is the Plymouth Sands Campground; for experts and the long-course racers, the Riverbrook RV and Campground in Rumney. Look for someone to direct you to a parking space. Once parked, proceed to the Check In, where you will be greeted by friendly volunteers who can help you fill out your registration (if you have not pre-registered online) and liability form. They will also get you set up with your boat number and all your merch- t-shirt, glass, and sticker!

After you have filled out all your paperwork, you can unload your boat and affix your boat number to the front, right side. Your boat number indicates your position in the launch order and it’s how our Race volunteers will keep track of your race time. If you have time, you and a friend can run to Plymouth to drop off your car at the end point, the Plymouth Amphitheater, and then come back to the start point. Volunteers will also be running a shuttle after the race.

10:40am Welcome and Paddlers’ Safety Meeting

All registered racers are required to be present for the Paddlers’ Safety Meeting. A race volunteer will welcome our racers, thank our sponsors, and outline the rules and safety regulations for the race.

10:50am Boat line-up

Take a look at your boat number and figure out where you need to be for the start of the race. Make sure you have anything you need (see below) in a your boat. Put on your PDF, so you are ready to go when it’s your turn to launch.

11:-00am Race Start

The Regatta will start promptly at 11am, beginning with boat #1. Expect two to four boats to launch at a time, with one minute between each launch. Race volunteers will record the start time for each boat and the race time will be calculated after the race.

11:30-2:00pm Race finish and awards

The race ends at the Plymouth Bridge; pull out at the boat launch about 100 meters past the bridge on the right. Carry your boat up the launch and find a place to put it on the grass. Because this is a staggered start race, boats will be arriving sporadically during the next hour.

If you have made arrangements with friends to retrieve your car from your start point, now is the time to get it. If you haven’t, a shuttle will take racers back once enough paddlers have arrived to fill up the van.

Once all the paddlers have arrived and the race times have been calculated, the Race Director will conduct the awards ceremony and raffles.

helpful hints

WHAT TO BRING: Warm clothes, water bottle, car keys, pocket cash.

You might be hot while you’re paddling, but after the race it can take a little time to calculate the race times and organize awards; as we all know, the weather can be changeable (and windy), so bring an extra layer so you don’t get chilly.

HOW TO GET YOUR CAR: If you haven’t coordinated with a friend to pick up your car from your start point, race volunteers will be running a shuttle. After picking up your car, return to the Plymouth Amphitheater for the awards ceremony and some family fun.

Expect to be at the Plymouth Amphitheater until about 2pm.