Athlete Fee
 

The fee is $820 per rower/coxswain and covers bus transportation, 3 nights lodging, regatta fees & expenses, all breakfasts and lunches, and three dinners.

Rowers designated as alternates pay 50% unless they row at the regatta, but should pay in full now and then will receive a refund after the trip. 

The Athlete Fee is due May 24, 2025. 

Spectator Lodging
 

Since Athletes, Coaches and Chaperones will be staying at Brock University, we have not secured a room block at any local hotel. Spectators are encouraged to search for lodging options on their own including in St. Catharine’s, Ontario as well as nearby Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canadian side). It is also suggested to have access to a car while in St. Catharine’s.

 Meals
 

Athletes should bring money for a meal at rest stops during Thursday's bus ride up, as well as Sunday’s return trip. Please note no eating is allowed onboard the bus. Breakfasts, Lunches, snacks, and dinners Thursday, Friday and Saturday are covered. Some dinners will be at the dining hall of Brock University for a college experience! Breakfasts will be simple meals prepared in the townhouses and lunches will be catered at the team tent.

Bulk water will be available at the food tent so athletes and spectators should bring reusable water bottles.

Spending Money
 

While most meals are included in the Athlete Fee, team members should bring enough money for 2 meals during rest stops on the bus ride.  Team members should bring spending money if they plan to shop at the many vendors set up at Henley Island.

Travel Form, Passport & Visa Information
 

Athletes have already been notified that since we are crossing international borders they must bring a valid passport. Passport expiration date must be at least 6 months in the future. If you are traveling on a non-US passport you must also bring a green card or valid re-entry visa to the US. it is your responsibility to determine if you also need a visa for Canada. More information can be found here. 

Prior to travel, Athletes parents should fill out the following travel questionnaire for their athletes, by May 24th.

Transportation
 

We will have bus transportation to and from the regatta for athletes. The bus loading time is scheduled for 5:30 AM on Thursday May 29 and will take 8-9 hours. Please be on time as we need to verify your passport and travel permission form. Per FCPS regulations, no athletes will be allowed to drive to or from the regatta in a car driven by anyone other than their own parents, another athlete’s parents (with written permission from their own parents) or by a vehicle driven by a designated chaperone.

*Athletes are welcome to make the return trip to McLean with their parents ONLY after being released by their COACH (shell/gear loaded for the return to McLean) AND checking out in person with their CHAPERONE.

Luggage & Dress
 

Since the bus will be boarding at 5:30 AM, Athletes should bring their luggage directly to the bus. Parents must inspect their athletes’ luggage and larger items must be stored underneath the bus and athletes will NOT have access to luggage until check-in at the lodging (after rigging and rowing). Everyone should board the bus dressed to row, with a crew bag as needed. Bus will go directly to the water for unloading, rigging and a practice row at Henley Island.

Spectators at CSSRA
 

Unlike other away regattas we have been to, at CSSRA, spectators and athletes are separated. The Athletes will launch from Henley Island which houses several boathouses, including those of the St. Catharines Rowing Club, as well as many team tents. Parents will need a wristband, which can be purchased on site, to access the Grandstands. A valid entry ticket is required for both areas. Please review the Parent FAQ for more information.​ Some of the races will be on Facebook live from our page Canadian Secondary School Rowing Association.

Athlete Lodging
 

Athletes, Coaches and Chaperones will be housed at Brock University residence townhouses, which are approximately 8 miles from Henley Island. These townhouses sleep 5 in a 4-bedroom configuration (one with a bunk bed) and are equipped with communal kitchens, allowing teams to prepare their own breakfasts. The beds will have sheets and one towel, but please bring extra towels! This is NOT a hotel.

Notifying the school: 
May 29 and 30 absences
 

Athletes should give all teachers advance notice regarding their absence from school on May 29h and May 30th (full days) for this Regatta.

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The roster has been provided to the Attendance Office. MHS Administration, Student Services and teachers will review/approve (or disapprove) the athlete's absences in advance of the trip.

What to pack
 

Passport (or another form for re-entry) is required! Complete uniform - uni and tech shirt - required to row. Dress warm for the Ontario climate. Remember this is a three night regatta. Be prepared for all weather conditions, with layers for rainy or cold weather, appropriate footwear for rain and walking, sunscreen, headgear, sunglasses.

Volunteers Needed
 

It isn't a crew event if we don't ask for volunteers. If you are planning on attending (with a car) please consider how you can lend a hand. Each boat needs a chaperone and we are grateful for those parents who had already stepped up to the occasion - all boats have a designated chaperone. While we are not grilling at this event, we still need parents to help set up beverages and snacks at our rented food tent (similar to our local regattas) as well as oversee the lunch catering. We will also need parents with access to a car to shop for breakfast and snacks and deliver to the athletes.  All families who attend should volunteer for at least one job.
 

Please sign up for a volunteer slot here ​

Please contact Julie at regattachair@mcleancrew.org if you have any questions.