Sunday, October 4, 2009
Wilmington, Delaware

Welcome to the 2009 Head of the Christina Regatta! This USRowing registered race is 2.75 miles long and passes under four bridges. Below you will find information on entries, payment, registration, parking, directions, etc… If you have any questions or problems please contact Gordon Pizor at (302) 373-8610 or e-mail us at Power10@aol.com. Proceeds from the Regatta support the Wilmington Youth Rowing Association (WYRA) programs including its summer ROW FOR IT! community rowing camps for kids 10-14. We hope to see you Sunday, October 4th for a great day of racing.

Sponsorship Package

>> Click here for a map of the course
>> Download HOC Race Instructions

1. ENTRIES: All entries must be submitted via RegattaCentral. Entries and payment must be received by Monday, September 28th.  RegattaCentral accepts both Visa and MasterCard.  Alternatively, check payment may be submitted, along with a copy of your RegattaCentral invoice, to WYRA, 500 E. Front St., Wilmington, DE 19801.  Make checks payable to: WYRA.  Eights: $75.  Fours: $60.  Doubles/Pairs: $35.  Singles: $30.  Late entries, if accepted, will be charged an additional $10 fee. No last minute entries will be accepted due to Regatta Central and Race Day computer systems.

Masters must include the age/birthday (as of 12/31/09) of all entrants, not including coxswains. PROVIDE BIRTHDATES WHEN SUBMITTING ENTRIES ON RegattaCentral.

Updated or specific lineups for youth and open categories may be presented at registration.

Youth/ high school; masters, and open categories; sculling and sweep events–See event entry form for details of entry.

Rowers may enter up to 2 races but all participants are responsible to get to the starting line 5 minutes prior to the posted start time.  It takes approximately 25 minutes to row from the WYRA boathouse to the starting area.

Acts of Nature: WYRA and US Rowing judges attempt to run all events on time, with as little delay as possible. Weather can not be controlled, and may result in event schedule delay, changes in the schedule, or at worst, cancellation of events, based on safety as determined by the Chief Referee staff. There is no refund for competitors who have registered for cancelled events.

2. RELEASE AND WAIVER FORM: The Head of the Christina is a USRowing registered regatta.  All rowers/coxswains must sign a USRowing Release of Liability waiver form.  Those under 18 years of age must have a parent/guardian sign the form.  Waivers are due at registration – USRowing members are encouraged to use USRowing’s annual waiver benefit, eliminating the need to provide us with a waiver.  For more information, go to http://www.regattacentral.com/regatta/waivers/usrowing.html

3. SCRATCHES: refunds will be made to entries scratched no later than Friday September 18, 2009.

4. REGISTRATION AND LIGHTWEIGHT WEIGH-INS will occur from 8:30 am to 12 noon at the WYRA Boathouse.

5. COXSWAIN’S MEETING: launches will take coxswains and scullers down the course beginning at 8:30 am.  It is recommended that coxswains study the enclosed course map and take the launch ride before taking a crew out.

6. EQUIPMENT: All boats must have a bow marker (supplied at registration), a bow ball, and tie-downs for each shoe in the boat.  All boats will be checked prior to launching.  Boats without the above will not be allowed to race.

7. CATEGORIES:

• Youth/ high school: must be enrolled in a high school or home schooled program.
• Lightweight: Women -130 lbs. maximum; Men – 160 lbs. maximum.
• Master -minimum of 27 yrs. old
• Veteran – minimum of 55 yrs. of age.  Time adjustments will be made for average age of crew within Master and Veteran categories.

8. AWARDS: First place medals will be awarded for all events. 

9. PARKING:
Trailers and Shells: should enter the Boathouse and adjacent parking areas at the 500 E. Front St. (at Lombard) entrance.  Marshals will direct trailers and cars carrying small boats to appropriate locations.
Rowers and spectators: have a great many free parking facilities close to the boathouse.  Parking signs and marshals will direct you to available sites.  Parking is also available at Frawley Stadium adjacent to the Shipyard Outlet Shops.

10. LODGING INFORMATION: Hotels/motels in various price ranges have been reserved at special regatta rates. Call 800- 521-6940 and ask for Linda for rates and availability.

DIRECTIONS: The Head of the Christina Regatta is located in Wilmington, Delaware right off of I-95 which crosses over the Christina river. Follow regatta signs to the WYRA boathouse.

FROM POINTS SOUTH: take I-95 north into Wilmington.  Exit at #6 , MLKing Blvd., RR station.  At the foot of the ramp take a right onto Maryland Avenue to the traffic light and make a right onto MLKing Blvd. Follow directions below.

FROM POINTS NORTH CROSSING THE DELAWARE MEMORIAL BRIDGE: Look for I-95 North, Wilmington signs.  Do not go on I-495.  Exit at exit #6 and at foot of ramp make a right onto Maryland Avenue to the first traffic light onto MLKing Blvd.  See directions from MLKing below.

FROM POINTS NORTH TAKING I-95 INTO WILMINGTON: take exit #6.  At bottom of ramp go straight to the 4th traffic light and turn left onto MLKing Blvd.

DIRECTIONS FROM MLKing Blvd.: Stay in the 2nd from right lane and go past the train station (look for the clock tower) crossing Walnut Street. MLKing Blvd. becomes Front St. at the train station. 1½ blocks past the train station you go under the railroad and turn into the boathouse parking area on your right.

Race Instructions Updated on 09/14/2009