COACHES & ATHLETES:
This Crew Guide outlines key things you’ll need to complete and become familiar with, and how to prepare for your arrival, race day, and adhering to the ins and outs expected of all competitors and attendees.
Also, be sure to review 2026 Rules & Procedures, Course Overview, and Parking & Directions.
2026 Crew Guide
NOTICE OF BRIDGE CLOSURE
The Cesery Blvd. Bridge will be CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Crew Guide Contents
Typical October WEather
October is a terrific time of year in Jacksonville. Average daily temperatures are 65°F – 82°F and skies are usually clear or mostly clear with a light easterly breeze. October averages only 5 rainy days. King tides occasionally coincide with the regatta.
Let other FCHR attendees know if you’re IN NEED of a rower, coxswain, or boat, or you’re AVAILABLE to row, cox or have a boat to rent!
Check-In Documents
Medical Information Form
A team coach MUST check in for the entire team. Masters clubs, please notify your members of this.
All teams must bring a printed and completed copy of the Medical Information Form when checking in at the Registration Office.
USRowing Waivers: Verify Active Status
The USRowing waiver is required for ALL COMPETITORS.
Access the athlete’s USRowing Member Portal to verify that they have an active USRowing Liability Waiver and that it will NOT expire on or prior to October 11, 2025.
Arrival & Friday Practice
Trailer / Car Topper Parking & Directions
Refer to the Parking page for full details on Trailer, Car Topper, and Tow Vehicle parking.
Club Check-Ins & Weigh-Ins
Registration Office
Proceed to the Registration Office for Check-in and Weigh-in.
Look for the the one-story building between the Trailer Parking lot and the river.
Who Can Check In?
A team coach MUST check in for the entire team. Masters clubs, please notify your members of this.
Club Check-In
FRIDAY: 4:45pm to 6:30pm
SATURDAY: Beginning at 6:30am
Check-In Documents: Remember to bring a printed copy of the Medical Information Form. (Download form here.)
Bow Cards and Back Numbers:Bow cards and back numbers for bow-seat or coxswains will be provided in the registration package.
Bow cards MUST be returned upon exiting the dock.Unreturned bow cards are subject to a $10.00 fee.
Lightweight Weigh-In
Weigh-in for members of lightweight crews will take place:
FRIDAY: 5:00pm to 7:00pm
SATURDAY: 6:30am to 8:00am
Lightweight Weigh-In requirements:
The entire boat must be present for weigh-ins.
Re-weigh is ONLY allowed if rower(s) is within one pound of maximum weight.
Coxswains are exempt from weigh-in.
2026 Coaches & Athletes Meeting
The First Coast Head Race will utilize a virtual format for the coaches and athletes meeting. The 2026 Meeting Video will be posted here by Saturday, October 3, 2026.
On-Site Questions & Answers
The Regatta Director and the Head Referee will both be available to answer any additional questions throughout the day, commencing at 6:30am on Saturday.
Friday Practice Rules & Hours
ONLY those teams that have cleared the Registration process will be allowed on the water. Please make sure your Medical Information Form has been submitted.
Site Access Time
Trailers MAY NOT enter the parking area until 4:30 p.m. on FRIDAY.
Practice Hours
The site will be available for practice (weather permitting) on Friday afternoon starting at 4:45 p.m.
ALL BOATS MUST BE OFF THE WATER BY 6:45 pm. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Penalty for Late Return to Dock
Teams will be assessed a warning for returning late to the dock.
If a team receives a warning, EVERY boat of that team will start the race with a warning.
Day of the Regatta
NOTICE OF BRIDGE CLOSURE
The Cesery Blvd. Bridge will be CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Bow Cards & Back Numbers
Bow cards and back numbers for bow-seat or coxswains will be provided in the registration package.
Missing Bow Cards
No boat will be allowed to launch without its bow card.
Boats racing without bow cards will be subject to a 15 second penalty. Please be sure the bow card is fastened securely (taped, if necessary), in order to avoid penalties.
Results & Awards
Schedule & Results
Schedule & Results will be posted on CrewTimer.
Medal Pick-Up
Medals will be available for collection at the awards table AFTER the official results for the event are posted.
ONLY coaches/masters Team Captains may sign for and pick up team medals.
Team Points Trophy
The Augie Merolle Team Points Trophy will be presented at the end of the regatta.
