What to Bring

Necessary Equipment

Umbrellas This is probably the single most important piece of equipment.  You can use it to protect you from the blazing sun, as well as rain.  Often the races will continue in the rain or a rain shower will pass in 20 minutes or so.  It would be a shame to miss a day of great racing, when this simple tool can protect you from discomfort.  The large beach umbrellas are even permitted at most race sites.

Sun Screen Even on cloudy day the damaging sun's rays will still get you.  Remember that you will be on the waterfront with the sun reflecting off the water.

Cooler One soft-sided bag or cooler, approximately 6” x 6” x 12” inches. The small size is so that it is easy to carry back to the car if not allowed.  Some race sites do not allow coolers at all, while others allow large coolers.  It is best to check with the race site.  We actually want to support the vendors, without whom we would not have a race.

Folding Chairs The kind that are cloth and fold up into a bag are best.  These folding chairs have four separate legs, which prevents rocking on uneven ground.  A chair with a build in sun shade (cabana style) is even better, but you can use an umbrella for the same sun protection.  Usually there is enough room in the carry bag for your chair to carry additional items, such as umbrella, sunscreen, etc.

Clothing Layers The weather may vary during the day, as with a passing shower or cloudy skies.  It is best to layer your clothing, so that adjustments can be made to keep yourself comfortable throughout the day.  If you find yourself needing an extra layer at the race, there is usually a vendor selling T-shirts, sweatshirts, or hats.  Again, we want to support the vendors.

Optional Equipment

Hat If you are not a hat person, then see "Umbrellas" above.  It is a good idea to wear a hat for general sun protection and a wide brim offers the best protection.  Of course once you put the hat on, it becomes a hat day.  That is because you will have hat hair, when you take it off.

Cameras You will want a high speed camera with a 1/1000 second shutter speed and at least 10X optical zoom, possibly on a tripod.  Do not use digital zoom or you are sure to be disappointed.  The actions on the water is best captured by following a boat in the viewfinder as it goes by and snapping the shutter while still moving the camera.  This keeps the boat sharply focused, while blurring the background.  Other cameras are great for pictures in the pits and the people around you.

Scanners The race teams are starting to use radios to communicate with their drivers on the race course.  You might be able to listen in on them.  If you see someone in a racing uniform with a headset and microphone, do not distract them during the race.  However, most are friendly people and will be glad to tell you about their boats.

Binoculars These are not necessary, but are great for peering into the pits and people watching.

Books, Magazines, Cards, Headset Entertaining yourself and your family between the events on the water can make the day more enjoyable for some.