All,

The weather forecast for this Saturday presents some challenges. We have been monitoring the situation since last weekend.

The forecast is for rain, heavy at times. Winds out of the East 7-12 mph for the morning. After noon, when the winds change to the North, the gusts are forecast to begin and pick up as the afternoon progresses.

The Occoquan racecourse is fairly protected by the surrounding hills. Wind direction plays an important part in that and so does foliage.

We have been in similar situations with adverse forecasts (Walter Mess last season for one) where the regatta has been cancelled prior to the morning of the event and the conditions did not eventuate, in fact they would have provided a decent day’s rowing. I am not saying that the conditions this weekend are going to be pleasant.

The weather conditions are assessed by multiple people: your coaches, the park manager, the chief referee and the regatta director. They will be discussed at this evening’s Coaches Meeting.

I do not anticipate the event being cancelled at this point, but there may be modifications to the schedule to address the situation as it unfolds. Be flexible.

Parking.

• We will not know the capacity of the Loisvale lot until Saturday morning once the park manager has assessed it. Potentially we may lose a considerable number of parking spots there.
• Carpooling is strongly encouraged; this goes for coaches and volunteers as well. So is dropping off rowers.
• Rowers who wish to use the Offsite Parking need to remember to allow sufficient time to get from the Commuter Lot to Sandy Run. Rowers in their uniforms travel free. Shuttles are not always on station waiting for you to arrive. Allow at least an hour for travel to the park from the Commuter Lot.
• Keep reviewing the X post for parking and event status.

Uniform Rule

• The Uniform Rule has been waived. Make sure that your rowers have their wet weather gear and suitable warm clothing in a waterproof bag for changing into post-race.
• Crews need to launch with their rain gear on.

General Note:

Shuttles from C Lot to the Finish are primarily for spectators, those less able to walk there. Rowers who use the shuttle must pay and are on a space available status. Coaches encourage rowers to walk.

Dorothy Lazor
President
Regatta Director
Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association