Regatta Primer-Spring 2026 USRowing Southeast Regionals 5/09/26 - 5/10/26
Youth Regional Championships – Sarasota, FL
May 9–10, 2026
Regatta Fee
Payment Link: HERE
The regatta fee is due now and must be paid no later than Monday, May 4th at 7:00 PM.
This fee is nonrefundable, including if an unexpected circumstance prevents attendance or racing, as total event expenses are divided among regatta rostered athletes.
Pre-Regatta Schedule
-
Thursday, May 7
De-rigging and trailer loading day. All boats and equipment will be prepared and loaded for transport. -
Friday, May 8
Travel day. All athletes must report to the team trailer at Nathan Benderson Park by 1:00pm, (course closes at 4, so we have a tight window). Please allow extra travel time to ensure on-time arrival so that you can begin:
- Unloading equipment
- Rigging boats
- Preparing for course practice - The final permitted launch time is 4:30 PM, and Sarasota often has long launch lines, so prompt arrival is essential.
Athlete Requirements
Uniform
Official Row Georgia racing unis are mandatory.
USRowing Membership Upgrade Required
All athletes must hold a USRowing Championship Membership status. Please verify immediately by logging into the athlete's www.usrowing.org membership. Athletes without a championship membership status will not be allowed to race.
Race Format
This is a championship progression regatta. Depending on each event's number of entries, racing may include:
- Time Trials
- Semi-Finals
- Finals
- A / B / C Finals
Some events with less entries may be "straight finals", meaning they advance directly from time trialing to finals.
Team Setup / Athlete Recovery and Dismissal
Unlike Dogwood, where athletes remain at the venue, this will be an “In and Out” regatta.
There will be no full team or parent tent setup. After athletes complete their races and assigned duties, they must leave the venue and return to their hotel or Airbnb for:
- Nourishment
- Rest
- Recovery
- Preparation for the next race
Athletes are not to remain at the venue unless specifically directed by the coach for race or duty purposes. Do not remain at the venue after dismissal.
Heat management and recovery are major priorities in Sarasota. Do not go to the beach, or fishing, or anything else that does not fully support race preparation as a competitive athlete. Stay out of the sun. This is not a vacation and athletes are expected to maintain an elite approach at all times. We ask that families who have committed to supporting their competitive athlete, to make sure that family activities do not interfere with the purpose of the athlete's travel, hard work, and overall investment in this championship pursuit.
Dismissal
Athletes may leave once:
- Racing is complete
- Catch duties are complete
- Boat is cleaned / ready for next event or loaded as instructed
- Trailer area responsibilities are complete
- Coach dismisses athlete
Trailer Athlete Tent
Parents are not permitted in trailer area.
A shaded athlete tent near the trailer will be available while athletes are preparing to race or immediately after racing. It will include: Hydration, fruit, snacks
Bring plenty of personal electrolytes.
Race Day(s)
Launch, catch, and trailer rotation schedules will be posted closer to race day.
Athletes are responsible for knowing:
- Arrival times
- Race times
- Catch assignments
- Trailer responsibilities
Schedules may shift, so remain alert and flexible.
General/Typical Timing Guidelines
- Oars down at dock: ~80 minutes before race
- Hands-on: ~65 minutes before race
- Launch: ~45 minutes before race (earlier for newer crews)
- Typical flow
- DAY BEFORE: Athlete nutrition at all times > Arrive at designated time > Unload / rig > Practice > Ensure boats are secured and ready for race day > Hotel/Rest/Nourishment for race prep
- DAY OF RACE: Athlete nutrition at all times > Oars ready > Hands-on > Launch > Race > Recovery/Refuel
- During all days, complete assigned catch and trailer area duties, prepare boats for next event, either a race or derig and load as instructed.
- Check-in with coach, in person, or coaches@rowgeorgia.com
Spectators
Best viewing areas are typically:
- Beach / waterside area
- Grandstands near finish tower
Helpful Links
- Event Details: HERE
- Final Entry Packet: HERE.
- Venue Maps / Traffic Flow: Venue Information & Traffic Pattern Maps - HERE. Additional details on team tents, parking, course and venue maps, and other event information can be found in the USRowing Southeast Youth Championships entry packet and on the event website linked above.
- Hotels: Click here to book your hotels!
- Volunteer Sign Up: HERE
- Livestream: Watch livestream on www.Overnght.com.
- Athletes & Coaches Pre-Regatta Meeting The Athletes & Coaches Pre-Regatta meeting will take place on May 5, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. EST. Register for the webinar HERE.
- Real-Time Updates: Text #SW26 to +1 (609) 354-7711
Questions
Email: headcoach@rowgeorgia.com
