FAQs

Where do I report? What time do I report?

All shifts begin and end at the MIT Pierce Boathouse.

Friday: Report at the MIT Pierce Boathouse at the time listed on the right side of the assignment sheet. See the assignment sheet for your assigned position (to be confirmed when you check in).

Saturday and Sunday: Report at the MIT Pierce Boathouse at the time listed on the right side of the assignment sheet. See the assignment sheet for your assigned position (to be confirmed when you check in).

When/where do I get my premium?

We will have all premiums for River Control volunteers at the MIT Pierce Boathouse when you report for the start of your shift. Do not go to the main volunteer tent at FALS because they won’t give it to you there!

What should I bring?

“There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.”

The weather in New England is variable and changeable. The Head of the Charles runs rain or shine, except in very extreme circumstances that may require the cancellation of a day of racing or the whole regatta. So please dress accordingly by bringing:

• Warm clothes (bring many options to wear for layering because it’s a long day!)

• Rain gear *

• Sunscreen and/or a sun hat/cap

* River Control launches will depart and return from the MIT Pierce Boathouse dock. You will not be required to wet-launch (i.e. without access to a dock) anywhere for River Control purposes, so you do not necessarily need rain boots unless you prefer to wear them. Please do bring waterproof clothing and shoes in case it rains, though.

The current weather forecast is for mostly clear skies with temperatures rising from the 40s°F (high single-digits °C) in the morning to the 60s°F (high teens °C) by the afternoon and relatively light winds from the north on Friday and Saturday then veering from the south on Sunday.

Items for your comfort

• Water or refillable water bottle

• Coffee thermos (we will provide coffee & hot chocolate)

• Snacks (lunch will be provided, but extra snacks are nice to have!)

• Land positions only: chair (if you want one)

Other useful items

• Water positions only: personal flotation device (PFD) (your own, if you have one)

• Cell phone – fully charged!

• Megaphone (if you have one)

• Binoculars (if you have them)

• Notebook & pen/pencil

• Coach/coxswain tool kit (if you have one), especially an adjustable wrench

• First aid kit (if you have one), mainly for band-aids and athletic tape – other supplies are available from Emergency Services

Finally, bring a good attitude!

Where do I park?

Please see the information on the parking web page.

After our meeting at MIT’s Pierce Boathouse, how do I get to my assigned location? How do I get back?

We will shuttle you to and from your location. Land stations near Cambridge Boat Club and the Eliot Bridge will be shuttled via shuttle bus, leaving from MIT at 6:45 a.m. Water stations and boathouse dock stations will be shuttled by launch.