This Weekend on the Charles, and the rest of the month too.

Folks,

 

Hope you all had a Happy 4th.  This weekend on the Charles:

 

Sunday, July 9th, 6AM to 7PM

Riverside Boat Club's annual Cromwell Cup Regatta on the Powerhouse Stretch (Weeks to Magazine Beach).  1000m sprint race on a partially BUOY'd COURSE using all 3 arches of River and Western Ave Bridges.  this permetted regatta runs from 6am to 7pm, with heavy boating restrictions from 7am to 6pm.  Non-regatta participants are encouraged to access the course before 7AM and after 6PM.  Non-participant boater access will be permitted at 10-15 minute intervals, and no wake speed is required on the course (and on the rest of the river).

Heads up on some upcoming, major events:

Summer Camps are starting up so keep sharp.

July 14, time tba (I think 9am-ish).  Finale of the 2012 B.A.S.S of Mass fishing tourney, Charles River Edition. 

Trying to get details, but this should be a big event.  The fishermen tend to be very nice but like everyone, they can be a bit competitive - and some of these folks will be new to the Charles and will not understand our unique traffic patterns.  So expect some parking under bridges and some inexperience in dealing with small boats - and the usual quiet fishing etiquette (read:  rowers keep your eyes open because they sometimes don't tell you when you're heading right for them).  Hopefully more details coming soon.  btw, start counting BASS stickers on vehicles and you'll be amazed at how many fishermen and women there are in this state. 

July 15, 9AM to 2PM.  Access Sport America Mayor's Cup Regatta. 

Running off the new dock at the Esplanade, the course runs along the Boston Shore from the Islands to the Mass Ave Bridge.  This annual Dragon Boat event is run by Access Sport America, which boats off the Spaulding Hospital Dock near the dam and runs a wide range of programs to inspire high function and fitness for children and adults living with disabilities through high-challenge sports and training.  Corporate and Philanthropic teams of 8 with at least one person with a disability compete in Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Races.  Expect heavy Boston shore activity and some early power boating activity since they help work the course.

July 21, Saturday, 9:45AM.  CBC Invitational Regatta. 

Starting at Eliot Bridge, expect a bit of a scrum for the 15 minutes before.  Boats will go off the line in a relay style lap race using several boat classes, rounding buoys at Magazine Beach for early laps and below Weeks for later laps.  Power boaters are asked to travel the course before 8:45 am or after noon, but a travel lane will be maintained down the center of the river throughout the event (putt putt speed, please).  If on the course during the event, take care and prepart to hold up when approaching the Eliot Bridge as boats may be waiting to be 'handed the baton' so to speak - and also at all buoys as boats may be turning round them and heading back up river.  Canoe and Kayakers and non participating rowers are asked to stay off the course during the event if at all possible.

 

 

Check out the CRAB website at www.charlesriverallianceofboaters.org