Thursday, May 28, 2015

Fw: (CRAB) This Week, er, this MONTH (and beyond) on the Charles



On Thursday, May 28, 2015 2:19 PM, CRAB via CRAB <CRAB@groupspaces.com> wrote:


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CRAB

There's nothing immediately on the Calendar but there are sure to be lots of fair-weather sailors and powerboaters hitting the water (fair weather rowers got started in April) and canoe/kayak season is heating up too.  This means that there will likley be lots more people less familiar with the river and may not know what you should be doing (according to coast guard regs or the more strict rowing traffic pattern, depending on who you are).  Watch your backs and watch everyone elses.

Contents

  1. Events on the Horizon
  2. Construction updates and Traffic Pattern notes

1. Events on the Horizon

Wednesday, June 10 at 6PM  Watertown yacht club/Perkins School cruise.  
20+ boats from WYC will ferry kids from the Perkins School for the Blind down to the Mass Ave Bridge and back.  This is a long string of boats, weighed down more heavily than usual, and they will be throwing alot of, and a long line of wake.  Be advised and change your schedule.  Rowers and Canoe/Kayakers beware.  Thanks WYC for giving us a good warning in advance.

Sunday, July 12, 7AM to 5PM  Cromwell Cup Regatta at Riverside Boat Club
1000 meter regatta in the Powerhouse (Weeks Bridge to short of the Powder Magazine at Magazine Beach).  Lots of boats, juniors and adults, some of them racing for the first time, some of them with very legitimate experience.  This is an important race on the local regatta circuit and boats come from all over New England and beyond.  Expect  about as much racing as you can pack in a day and occasional (every 15 minutes or more) openings for powerboats and others to travel the course.  Yacht Clubs are asked to warn their members to pack their patience, or get down river early.  Canoe and Kayak folks are asked to send people in the other direction.  


That is ALL that is on the calendar from now til fall so if we've missed anything, please be sure to add it to the calendar.

 

2. Construction updates and Traffic Pattern notes

Anderson Bridge.  The Center Arch should be closed right now, but I rowed downriver today and can't be sure.  Regardless - keep your eyes open and expect a change soon.
Longfellow Bridge.  Lots of barges, lots of work.  Don't go through it if you don't have too.
Coaches and powerboaters are reminded to use no-wake speed when passing a barge so as not to scare the pants of the workers.  Everyone is reminded to use caution around construction and let common sense rule the day.
Hey!  What are those wacky sailors doing?
Beats me.   I avoid them at all times, but if you must share water with sailors, there is a super handy and entertaininly written sheet on how to figure out what sailors are doing.  This is a good refresher for rowers, powerboaters, canoe/kayakers, dragon boaters and maybe even some sailors.  It includes such highlights as 'how to spot a race course' and other important items.
There is also a companion piece on how to figure out what those wacky rowers are doing.
You can find both at www.CharlesRiverAllianceofBoater s.org and look under rowing or power boating pages.











 
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Thursday, May 21, 2015

Fw: (CRAB) This week, weekend and next week on the Charles

 


On Thursday, May 21, 2015 3:58 PM, CRAB via CRAB <CRAB@groupspaces.com> wrote:


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CRAB

All looks quiet on the River except for....

SAILING Regatta out of MIT!  Today and tomorrow.  Lots of boats.  Give them a wide berth.

This is the unofficial start of the powerboating season so everyone should keep their eyes open for new powerboaters unfamiliar with the river, complicated by a center arch closure at Anderson Bridge - and also increased number of canoes and kayaks.  Welcome to summer folks.

 

Contents

  1. Construction Updates!
  2. An off-river event that is too cool to not mention.

1. Construction Updates!

 It is NOT quiet on the construction front.
Anderson Bridge.  The center arch is closed through the weekend.  Rowers should use right hand arches, and Powerboaters will likely use the Boston Arch in both directions...but keep your eyes open for boats that aren't sure which arch to use.  All boaters should use caution.
Longfellow Bridge constuction is very active.  Rowers should turn before the bridge unless heading to the harbor.  Powerboaters use caution and everyone should try to not wake the folks working on barges.



 

2. An off-river event that is too cool to not mention.

On Monday, a re-enactment of the Battle of Noddle Island will take place.  What is that, you say?  A very cool revolutionary war battle that took place in East Boston (formerly Noddle Island) and the Chelsea River.  Canoe and Kayakers will play the part of British troops that sailed up the Chelsea to cut off the colonists who stole the livstock, raided warehouses and set the hay on fire - from escape into Revere.  10-11AM floatilla will storm the beaches (the Brits never made it to shore) at the Condor Street Urban Wild in East Boston.  Battle re-enactment and bbq to follow.

 
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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

ALERT!!! Anderson Bridge Traffic Pattern Change!

See the note from DOT below.

The Center arch of Anderson Bridge is closed from now until Tuesday.  This may present a problem for powerboaters due to height and depth restrictions, and the off-the-ramp powerboaters will have no knowledge of this work.  It is unclear to me which arch has the better depth so until we hear otherwise, plan to see power boats using both arches in either direction.  Rowers and other small boats, use the right hand arch in both directions.  Everyone, please use extreme caution during this time.

On Tuesday, the Center Arch will open and the Cambridge Arch will close.  

More news to follow as it comes.
 
 
 
 
Check out the CRAB website at www.charlesriverallianceofboaters.org


On Wednesday, May 20, 2015 4:11 PM, "Dailey, Donny (DOT)" <donny.dailey@state.ma.us> wrote:


 
Clarification -
 
The center arch will be closed from now until Tuesday at which point the construction will move to the Cambridge arch. The Cambridge arch will be closed until next Friday.
 
MassDOT is in the process of  working on a schedule with Verizon concerning  necessary utility work
 
I will keep you posted
 
 
 
Donny Dailey
MassDOT
Office of Government Affairs
Legislative Liaison
617 945 4272
Donny.Dailey2@dot.state.ma.us
 
 
 
 
From: Dailey, Donny (DOT)
Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 3:09 PM
To: 'azosuls@gmail.com'; 'kategalway@yahoo.com'; 'rlevy@rcn.com'
Subject: Anderson Memorial Bridge
 
Good afternoon ,
 
I am writing this email to inform you that the center arch of the Anderson Bridge will be closed for the next several days for necessary duct work.  The Boston and Cambridge arches will remain open during the work. 
 
This construction is anticipated to take a few days. I will have a better idea on when the work will be completed towards  the end of next week.
 
Feel free to contact me with any additional questions or comments
 
Thank you
 
Donny
 
 
Donny Dailey
MassDOT
Office of Government Affairs
Legislative Liaison
617 945 4272
 
 
 
 


Thursday, May 14, 2015

Re: (CRAB) This Weekend and Next Week on the Charles

But wait!  There's more!

MIT Sailing is hosting State Champs, 40+ boats racing in the basin this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon, and 
Mass Bay League High School Sailing has their championships (80 boats!) on Monday (May 18) and Tuesday afternoon, 4-6pm.
 
 
 
 
Check out the CRAB website at www.charlesriverallianceofboaters.org



On Thursday, May 14, 2015 1:41 PM, CRAB via CRAB <CRAB@groupspaces.com> wrote:


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CRAB

Hello Sport fans.  It's a girls fours race weekend.  Both the Powerhouse and the Herter Half Mile courses are in use.
Friday, May 15, 2015
4:00PM - 5:00PM.  Winsor V. NCDS in the Herter Half Mile (from curve just below Northeastern's Boathouse to the bottom of the straightaway, just above Eliot Bridge).  Girls fours.
Saturday, May 16, 2015
10:00AM, Winsor V. NCDS and Lincoln in the Powerhouse Stretch (Weeks Bridge to Magazine Beach).  Girls fours.
2:30PM, BB&N V. Brooks and Thayer in the Powerhouse Stretch (Weeks Bridge to Magazine Beach).  Girls fours.


Wednesday, May 20, 2015
3:00PM.  Belmont Hill V. Fessenden and BCHigh in the Powerhouse Stretch (Weeks Bridge to Magazine Beach).
3:30PM.  BB&N V. Brooks, Winsor, Belmont Hill on the Herter Half Mile (from the curve below Northeatern's Boathouse to the bottom of the straightaway, just above Eliot Bridge).  JV Regatta.




 

Contents

  1. Construction Updates!
  2. The Rowing Traffic Pattern: Read it! Know it! Row it!

1. Construction Updates!

  • Anderson Bridge: Work in the Boston Arch is underway.  This requires a closing of the Boston Arch further requiring a change in the traffic pattern until Boston Arch work is complete.  The center arch is for Downstream traffic ONLY, and the Cambridge arch remains for upstream traffic ONLY.  Powerboaters will continue to use the center arch for bi-directional traffic to allow for the necessary depth and height.
  •  
  • Longfellow Bridge:   Construction continues with many moving parts.  Rowers are urged to turn above this bridge unless heading to the Harbor.  Powerboaters should follow the designated traffic pattern.  There is a report of a random barge that has been parked near the Mass Ave bridge and we think it is associated with the Longfellow project.  We have contacted DOT and dcr to get this barge parked in a better location, but have not yet heard back.  If you see this barge again, please let CRAB know at CharlesRiverAllianceofBoaters@gm ail.com.

2. The Rowing Traffic Pattern: Read it! Know it! Row it!

North Beacon St. Bridge
Downstream crews use the Boston Arch ONLY.
Upstream crews use the Watertown Arch, or may, if shore is obstructed, use the Center Arch, making an immediate course correction once clear of the bridge.
This center arch designation was changed a few years back to assist rowers (particularly those from CRI) pass by a group of somewhat hostile fishermen who gathered on the wall near the bridge.  There were incidents of boats being 'hooked' and fish being thrown at boats (no kidding).  It is critically important that we all row the same traffic pattern so please make sure that all of your rowers and coxswains are sure of this traffic pattern.
Congratulations!  on your new oars.  Now paint your blades in the pattern of the club you row from.









 
Check out the CRAB website with links to the Calendar, traffic pattern and much, much more at www.CharlesRiverAllianceofBoater s.org





 
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Fw: (CRAB) This Weekend and Next Week on the Charles

 
 
 
 
Check out the CRAB website at www.charlesriverallianceofboaters.org


On Thursday, May 14, 2015 1:41 PM, CRAB via CRAB <CRAB@groupspaces.com> wrote:


E-mail displayed incorrectly? Read it in your browser
 

CRAB

Hello Sport fans.  It's a girls fours race weekend.  Both the Powerhouse and the Herter Half Mile courses are in use.
Friday, May 15, 2015
4:00PM - 5:00PM.  Winsor V. NCDS in the Herter Half Mile (from curve just below Northeastern's Boathouse to the bottom of the straightaway, just above Eliot Bridge).  Girls fours.
Saturday, May 16, 2015
10:00AM, Winsor V. NCDS and Lincoln in the Powerhouse Stretch (Weeks Bridge to Magazine Beach).  Girls fours.
2:30PM, BB&N V. Brooks and Thayer in the Powerhouse Stretch (Weeks Bridge to Magazine Beach).  Girls fours.


Wednesday, May 20, 2015
3:00PM.  Belmont Hill V. Fessenden and BCHigh in the Powerhouse Stretch (Weeks Bridge to Magazine Beach).
3:30PM.  BB&N V. Brooks, Winsor, Belmont Hill on the Herter Half Mile (from the curve below Northeatern's Boathouse to the bottom of the straightaway, just above Eliot Bridge).  JV Regatta.




 

Contents

  1. Construction Updates!
  2. The Rowing Traffic Pattern: Read it! Know it! Row it!

1. Construction Updates!

  • Anderson Bridge: Work in the Boston Arch is underway.  This requires a closing of the Boston Arch further requiring a change in the traffic pattern until Boston Arch work is complete.  The center arch is for Downstream traffic ONLY, and the Cambridge arch remains for upstream traffic ONLY.  Powerboaters will continue to use the center arch for bi-directional traffic to allow for the necessary depth and height.
  •  
  • Longfellow Bridge:   Construction continues with many moving parts.  Rowers are urged to turn above this bridge unless heading to the Harbor.  Powerboaters should follow the designated traffic pattern.  There is a report of a random barge that has been parked near the Mass Ave bridge and we think it is associated with the Longfellow project.  We have contacted DOT and dcr to get this barge parked in a better location, but have not yet heard back.  If you see this barge again, please let CRAB know at CharlesRiverAllianceofBoaters@gm ail.com.

2. The Rowing Traffic Pattern: Read it! Know it! Row it!

North Beacon St. Bridge
Downstream crews use the Boston Arch ONLY.
Upstream crews use the Watertown Arch, or may, if shore is obstructed, use the Center Arch, making an immediate course correction once clear of the bridge.
This center arch designation was changed a few years back to assist rowers (particularly those from CRI) pass by a group of somewhat hostile fishermen who gathered on the wall near the bridge.  There were incidents of boats being 'hooked' and fish being thrown at boats (no kidding).  It is critically important that we all row the same traffic pattern so please make sure that all of your rowers and coxswains are sure of this traffic pattern.
Congratulations!  on your new oars.  Now paint your blades in the pattern of the club you row from.









 
Check out the CRAB website with links to the Calendar, traffic pattern and much, much more at www.CharlesRiverAllianceofBoater s.org





 
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Tuesday, May 12, 2015

ALERT! Anderson Bridge Traffic Pattern Change, Wednesday, May 13.

Please share with your memberships and all guests and visitors to your boathouse, the upcoming change to the rowing traffic pattern at Anderson Bridge.  See the official notification from MassDOT below.

It is unclear what time this change will happen on Wednesday, May 13th, so all boaters are urged to use extreme caution at all times tomorrow.  Just because you can see what the arch situation is does not mean that the boat coming towards you can.  Use your heads, people.

Until further notice, while the Boston Arch is closed, the center arch of Anderson Bridge becomes downstream ONLY.  The Cambridge arch continues to be used as Upstream Only.  Please keep in mind that Powerboaters will continue to use the center arch in both directions.

It is VERY easy to end up in the wrong place when approaching and exiting these arches, so all boaters are urged to use caution and not go through the bridge at pressure.

Please proactively share this information with others on your docks and if you see someone using the center arch as upstream, alert them to the change.  
 
Check out the CRAB website at www.charlesriverallianceofboaters.org
On Tuesday, May 12, 2015 11:13 AM, MassDOT <massDOT@public.govdelivery.com> wrote:


Massachusetts Department of Transportation Charles River Basin Bridges Update
Charles River Basin Project
You are subscribed to Charles River Basin Bridges for Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
MARINE ADVISORY
 
For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
 
 
BOSTON-CAMBRIDGE: ANDERSON MEMORIAL BRIDGE – UPCOMING CHANGES TO BRIDGE ARCHES
 
Effective Wednesday, May 13th,  the Boston arch of the Anderson Memorial Bridge over the Charles River will be closed and the Cambridge arch and the center arch will remain open for boat channel passage.
 
This navigational change is necessary for MassDOT's contractor to work on the west side of the bridge.  During the work, the easterly sidewalk and one vehicular travel lane in both directions will remain open.
 
For more information, visit MassDOT at our website: www.mass.gov/massdot  blog: http://blog.mass.gov/transportation/, or follow MassDOT on twitter at https://twitter.com/MassDOT   and Facebook at www.facebook.com/massdotinfo.
                                                               
                                                                                     #####

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