General Volunteer Information

Plan to arrive early enough to park and walk ~1/2 mile to the MIT Richard J. Resch Boathouse (Approximately 5:30 a.m)

6:00 Check In at MIT Richard J. Resch Boathouse, review assignment and map (Thursday Only, 9 a.m.)

6:30 Boat Check and last minute business/bio break

7:00 Depart MIT Boathouse for assigned location

7:30 All Launches in position

7:45-8:00 Start of Racing

3:45-4:00 p.m. Last Race Starts

After Last Race: Clean-up, Stow Gear and prep for return to MIT.

Return to MIT Boathouse as instructed by River Control and Emergency Services

Upon return to MIT: unload and clean-up boat, report any gear/fuel concerns, help prep for next day (shipshape, refueled)

Note: Times are approximate and may change. Refer to pre-event email communications for actual times.

Check-in is at the MIT Richard J. Resch Boathouse, 409 Memorial Drive, Cambridge

If you get there early, don’t panic. Someone will arrive and let you in soon.

There will be signs directing you to the check-in tables. Be sure to Check in correctly at the LAUNCHES check-in. Let us know who you are and that you are a launch volunteer.

You will be given some of your necessary documents and equipment at check-in.  This may include a HOCR radio if you are a Safety Launch driver.  In some cases, your crew may already be issued equipment and documents (megaphone, map, program, HOCR radio if on a River Control Launch).

Grab some coffee and a bagel, use the bathroom, and orient yourself to your surroundings. There may be brief meetings for Safety Launches or River Control that you should attend.

Find your Launch, check it, orient yourself to it, and make sure all equipment and crew is on board before departing.

In some cases you will be transporting additional volunteers to the land based River Control assignments, don’t leave without them.

Morning check-in is a busy and sometimes confusing time as equipment is readied and last minute issues are addressed.  All efforts are made to make things run smoothly.  Please be patient as we take care of things for you.  Don’t be afraid to offer your assistance.

Well, you will be parking in Cambridge and spending the day on a boat- so if you don’t want it lost, stolen, or at the bottom of the Charles River don’t bring it…

• A Water Bottle! Drinks will be provided, but as the HOCR moves toward increasing sustainability we ask that you refill your water battle to minimize single-use packaging.  It is also very important to stay hydrated theroughout the day.

• We recommend dressing in warm layers, with a waterproof/resistant, wind-blocking outer shell. Also bring winter hats and gloves/mittens, sounds crazy but you WILL thank me later.

• If you have your own PFD (Lifejacket) please bring it with you.  You will be required to wear one, and the ones that may come on the boats may not fit as well as your own.

• Thermos of hot stuff that you like to drink- we will not be delivering hot coffee as in past years.  There should be coffee refills available at MIT in the morning (while supplies last)

• Lots of snacks-A bag lunch will be provided, and there will be some bagels available on Saturday and Sunday morning, but bring extra favorite snacks to get you through the day and supplement the lunch that is provided.

• Sunscreen/Sunglasses/Lip Balm- In New England? In October? Really?  YES!!!

• Change of clothes-in a dry bag or gym bag.

• Water-proof case for your cell phone-I keep mine attached to a lanyard around my neck. Some people prefer to not even bring their cell phones. Like moths to the porch light, cell phones love jumping in the water. Their affinity to the water is directly proportionate to the replacement cost!  A Bluetooth headset may also help you hear better while keeping your phone sealed up tight.

• Less is better, but these are other items volunteers have told me they like to bring: Sunglasses, Hat, Whistle, Binoculars, radio, gloves, Camera

Launch volunteers are comprised of Launch Drivers and Dock/Support staff.

Launch Drivers :

Support River Control and Emergency Services Committees by providing safe transport on a well equipped launch for the Head of the Charles Regatta.  Your specialty is your knowledge of safe handling of a power boat including; moving in tight quarters around rowers, being mindful about your wake, night operation, docking, anchoring, fueling, and equipping your launch.

River Control Launch Drivers:

• Assist the River Control Marshal on board in giving direction to competitors and helping to provide traffic control on the river. 

• Are lookouts for any emergencies.

• Assist Safety Launches during an emergency

• Wakeless launches (Stillwater) are utilized for this role, and the driver must be familiar with how to operate this craft.

Safety Launch Drivers:

• Assist the Emergency Services crew (lifeguards and radio operator) in being ready for, recognizing, and responding to emergency situations.

• Each of the safety launches must stay alert to respond in an emergency.

• The driver must be able to maneuver the launch quickly, in tight quarters, in a potentially stressful situation.

• While responding quickly to a potential emergency, the drivers must be alert to their surroundings and make sure to approach with due regard to the safety of those around them.

• Larger launches with tight turning capability are utilized for this role, CRI Wakeless Safety Launch, Stillwater 25XL, usually Whaler, RIB, Carolina Skiff, etc.

You are the captain of the ship/boat! You are responsible for the safety of your passengers and the participants on the water. Keep this in mind at all times, your decision to act depends on it!

Dock/Support Staff:

Assist the launch committee in many different ways.

Morning Dock/Support staff may:

• help with check-in and distribute lunches and supplies or documents

• bail the launches

•  check the fuel

• find the correct keys and start the boats

• make sure the launches are equipped with:

• PFD’s

• Fuel

• Nav lights

• HOCR ID Flag & bucket

• Emergency Red Flag

• Trash bag

• Anchor

• Help drivers orient to their launch

• Help drivers off the dock

• Stand-by as a back-up driver if a driver is absent.

Evening Dock/Support staff may:

• Assist launches in docking

• Encourage/support removal of trash from boat

• Remove equipment, if necessary

• Make sure equipment is returned

• Assist with cleaning launch

• Assist with returning launch to the organization that loaned it (Sunday P.M.)

Some guidelines for how to dress and prepare for Regatta weather:

[Taken from New England Weather and you by Gary Schwartz  read the full document here]

1. Avoid Cotton in Cold, Damp Conditions

Cotton is a poor choice. It holds moisture against your skin, increasing  heat loss significantly. Use synthetics such as polyester fleece or wool.

2. Dress in Layers

Volunteers generate little heat from movement, and should have more layers than someone who is active, allowing for weather changes.

1. Use a Moisture-Wicking Base Layer: Have first layer against skin be synthetic long underwear.

2. Add Insulating Layers: Synthetic fleece, pile, fiberfill, or wool. Vest layers and zipper-fronts vs. pullovers allow easier adjustment to stay comfortable. (Bring extra layers in a plastic bag, in case you get soaked.)

3. Wear a Protective Outer Shell: On the outside, you will want a shell layer, which protects your layers from wind and from precipitation. Use waterproof/breathable material or less-expensive basic coated nylon. (beware of lightweight "water resistant" items that may not hold up to day-long wet weather.)

6. Protect Your Head, Hands, and Feet

Be sure you protect your head, hands and feet. A warm hat, gloves (with spares) and synthetic or wool socks inside shoes or boots which can handle water. Using winter gear in the fall may seem silly, these are major heat loss points on a long, cool day.

7. Plan for Water Exposure

Consider that if you end up in the water, you will need to be able to quickly shed layers and footwear if they interfere with swimming. Consider a light wetsuit underneath, like whitewater paddlers or windsurfers use, Clothing should work under a lifejacket. You may want to bring your own lifejacket to be sure it fits you well.

8. Protect Your Equipment

There are many waterproof cases available for different gear (phones, keys, etc.) in different situations. Consider one that floats.

9. Fuel and Hydrate Your Body

Make sure you have sufficient snacks with you. Nibble throughout the day to fuel your internal furnace. Eating a good breakfast will give you a good foundation for the day.

Make sure you bring a filled water bottle. At least 2 quarts or liters to start with, more if very warm. While many stations have food and water nearby, not all of them do.

10. Warm Weather Considerations

In warm sunny weather, you should have sunglasses, visor or a brimmed hat, lightweight long-sleeved clothing and sunscreen. Drink plenty of water. Frequent sips of water are better than drinking a lot at once, infrequently.

What do to if your engine doesn't start or won't stay running.

Things to check:

• Does it have a key in the ignition?

• Do you hear the motor turning over when the key is turned/start button is pressed?

  • Not Turning: Check the battery cables at the terminals. Try using the pull start on the engine.

  • Turning, no ignition (engine trying to start):

    • Check the Kill switch is attached and positioned.

    • Check the Neutral Safety Switch- Be sure gear sector is in neutral, wiggle it while trying to start the engine.

    • Check Fuel level.

    • Prime the fuel line -squeeze the bulb until hard.

  • Turning and trying to start (can hear short revs)

    • Push Key in while turning to activate Choke.

• Engine suddenly stops or will not stay running.

  • Check Fuel Level

  • Is fuel tank vent is open?

  • Fuel line properly connected at tank and engine?

  • Any cracks or leaks in fuel line?

  • Check Kill Switch/lanyard

  • Propeller Obstruction! CAUTION! This often happens when a dock line gets wrapped in the prop. Gear shift may be stiff and difficult to move. Exercise extreme caution to inspect the prop and use a paddle to remove the line or call for assistance.