FAQs

Where do I report? What time do I report?

All shifts begin and end at the MIT Boathouse.

Friday: Report at the MIT 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 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 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!). Do not assume that the volunteer premium will be some sort of specific jacket/vest/etc. - the volunteer gift changes every year.

• Rain gear 

• Sunscreen and/or a sun hat/cap

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. Parking is extremely limited; we strongly recommend public transportation, walking, biking, or rideshare.

After our meeting at MIT’s 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.