Race Day

Welcome to the Fall 2007 Race Season

This year Wilson Crew will participate in one Fall race in addition to our usual Spring season. Our Fall race is the Head of the Occoquan (HOTO), which will be held on Sunday, November 4. (Collegiate teams compete on Saturday Nov. 3)

What is a head race and how does that differ from the races we compete in during the spring?

A head race is 5,000 meters - or about three miles - with the teams being started along the same path in 25 to 30 second intervals. Sometimes passing occurs; other times, boats hold their positions. In the spring, the races are 1,500 - 2,000 meters long. Each team starts side-by-side. The rowers are motivated in a different fashion in that they can see where their competition is in comparison to their boat.

Click here for the event schedule, directions, park rules, parking, viewing areas and more. Here is another map of the park from last year, although the race course is different since this is a head race.

Regattas on the Occoquan (Sandy Run Regional Park)
**** DO NOT bring pets – even on a leash. They will not let you in.***

There is a fee to enter the park. Car pools are a good idea as this site is fairly far away. Once you reach the site, parking officials will direct you to a spot in one of two lots, they are next to each other. When not racing, your rower will be with the trailer or in the boathouse.

The viewing stands are at the finish and quite a distance from the parking lots and boathouse; and there are two ways to get there – walk or take a shuttle van (there is a fee). The walk is a fairly long scenic trail that begins at the parking lot, the shuttle drops you near the stands. At the viewing area there is bleacher seating, bathroom facilities, and a food vendor where spectators can purchase things like hotdogs and sodas.


	Welcome to the Fall 2007 Race Season This year Wilson Crew will participate in one Fall race in addition to our usual Spring season. Our Fall race is the Head of the Occoquan (HOTO), which will be held on Sunday, November 4. (Collegiate teams compete on Saturday Nov. 3) What is a head race and how does that differ from the races we compete in during the spring? A head race is 5,000 meters - or about three miles - with the teams being started along the same path in 25 to 30 second intervals. Sometimes passing occurs; other times, boats hold their positions. In the spring, the races are 1,500 - 2,000 meters long. Each team starts side-by-side. The rowers are motivated in a different fashion in that they can see where their competition is in comparison to their boat. Click here for the event schedule, directions, park rules, parking, viewing areas and more. Here is another map of the park from last year, although the race course is different since this is a head race. Regattas on the Occoquan (Sandy Run Regional Park) ** DO NOT bring pets – even on a leash. They will not let you in.* There is a fee to enter the park. Car pools are a good idea as this site is fairly far away. Once you reach the site, parking officials will direct you to a spot in one of two lots, they are next to each other. When not racing, your rower will be with the trailer or in the boathouse. The viewing stands are at the finish and quite a distance from the parking lots and boathouse; and there are two ways to get there – walk or take a shuttle van (there is a fee). The walk is a fairly long scenic trail that begins at the parking lot, the shuttle drops you near the stands. At the viewing area there is bleacher seating, bathroom facilities, and a food vendor where spectators can purchase things like hotdogs and sodas.