Where we race, who races, and what families need to know — from Schenectady to Boston to our own backyard. New to regattas? Start with the tips page.
Fall regattas are head races — athletes race down a long, often circuitous course one after the other, for time, rather than spring's side-by-side sprints. The courses run along rivers lined with trees in full foliage change, providing absolutely stunning scenery — racing without championship pressure, which makes fall the perfect season to learn racecraft, and the perfect season for a family's first regatta.
Scotia, NY — the Mohawk River.
Racing: U19 · U17 · one U16 8+.
The season opener — first start line of the year, first read on fall speed. U19 and U17 train on the Schenectady course Saturday afternoon and stay over.
Race site: Jumping Jacks, 5 Schonowee Ave, Scotia, NY 12302 · Official website →
Lyndhurst, NJ — the Passaic River.
Racing: all squads.
Our closest travel race and the first full-club race day — a great first regatta for new families.
Race site: Riverside County Park, North Lot, 315 Riverside Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 · Official website →
Boston, MA — the Charles River.
Racing: 1V8+ only.
The most famous head race in the world. Our first varsity eight takes CIR to the biggest stage in fall rowing — the crew travels up Friday morning to rig and practice the course.
Saratoga Springs, NY — Fish Creek.
Racing: all squads.
The whole club on the road together — the biggest travel weekend of the fall, with all-day racing.
Race site: Fish Creek (Lee's Campground), 1490 NY-9P, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 · Official website →
City Island — our own marina.
Racing: all squads.
Home racing on home water, on Halloween morning. Costumes have been known to appear. Come watch — no travel required.
Port Washington, NY — a dual meet with our sister club, Port Rowing.
Racing: all squads.
The season closer — last start line of the fall, raced against friends, and the send-off into winter training.
Race site: North Hempstead Beach Park, North entrance #2, 141 West Shore Rd, Port Washington, NY 11050
Overnight regattas include a team hotel night — athlete accommodation is already organized and hotel details go to families by email, so there is nothing for parents to book. Exact race times, driving directions, and parking details also go out by email before each trip, and lineups are posted on the team spreadsheet.
There is no single criterion for a seat in a boat. CIR boats the most competitive crews possible at each regatta, and selection weighs rowing technique and general oarsmanship, attitude — including the willingness to be part of a team — strength and fitness and how they progress through the season, the effort an athlete puts into improving, and performance in racing.
Around those core criteria, we also consider attendance at training and competitions, technical compatibility with the rest of the crew, athleticism, adaptation to the demands of the program, fitness maintained through breaks, and injury or illness.
All crews are subject to seating changes at any time — a lineup is a hypothesis the racing tests, not a possession. Lineup decisions rest with the Head Coach.
That is not a threat; it's the fairest system there is. It means every practice matters, every erg piece counts, and a girl who is improving fast can move up mid-season. Boat speed decides — which is exactly how the athletes want it.
There's an art to a good regatta day — for athletes and for the people cheering them on.