general information

The course is a half-mile out and back with a restart at the turn. Course can have a slight bend but a strait course is preferred. Water depth must be a minimum of 6 feet.

The final finish and first start is at the same location, typically where most of the spectators are. The competitors launch and land dock will be withing 1/4 mile of the first start/final finish. Finish line flag platforms (like shown) and course border buoys will be located every eighth of a mile on the edge of the racecourse. There will not be center lane buoys.

It is a two-lane single elimination format with races running every 20 minutes.

The total of the times for each leg determines the winner. Regatta umpires will be stationed every 1/4 mile near the racers on the outside edge of the course either in a power boat or onshore. Officials will make sure the two racers stay in their lanes and will have megaphones for this communication to the athletes..   Areial drones can also be used for officiating in protests and enhanced spectator viewing of the complete racecourse.

Races can be held on a narrow channel or open water. The duration of the regatta will depend on the number of competitors. With two lane format regattas will typically last a full day and can grow to multiple days. If there is enough interest a town may have more than one annual regatta or possibly share an event with other towns.

The racing craft are provided by the regatta organization. These include NC 15 Sea Kayak, Flex 20 catamaran rower, paddle board or other craft desired by the organizers. The watercraft are selected for stability and speed on protected flat water and open rougher water.  Racers can try the watercraft at practice sessions prior to the regatta day so they can be comfortable in that craft on race day. Competitors should be able to do land-based training with limited water training and compete. 

The boat line is anchored pleasure boats who line one or both sides of the racecourse to cheer on the competitors. The boat line can be organized as a fundraiser for a charity cause determined by the organizer. This would typically be an established non-profit benefitting the local community. Organizers can charge admission to the spectator area(s). Regatta badges (like a beach tag) or wristbands can be used where spectator enclosures are not complete.

Medals will be awarded for each racing class by the organizing committee. Trophies named for each racing class will be awarded as they are established by sponsors. 

There are no trophy naming rights, but the name of the donor can appear on the trophy if desired. Trophies will be named for the racing event. Once a number of Town Regattas have been organized there will be regional regattas and a national championship regatta.