ADULT SUMMER SEASON

Typically, a crew consists of four rowers, but it can be expanded to include additional rowers, with a rotation worked out among yourselves—every rower must be registered. Each crew has the option to row 1x, 2x, or 3x per week. Bottom line: Once your crew is registered, there should be enough paid rowers to fill the boat’s seats for the entire season. For example: 2x per week × 12 weeks × 4 seats = 96 seat slots to fill.

Got your crew set? Great! Next, name your crew and choose a captain. The captain is the point of contact for text communications and will submit your preferred time slots for the boat schedule (see next tab).

All crews are responsible for ensuring their rowers show up at the correct times and for using a registered rower from the current season as a sub to fill any empty seat.

Rowing times are typically weekday mornings between 6:00-9:30am, evenings at 5:00pm and 6:30pm, plus weekend mornings with rows beginning between 6:00-10am. Each row is scheduled for 90 minutes and includes time for all hands on deck to set up and clean up the boat. (example boat schedule pictured)

Once your crew is all registered and your crew captain has submitted your time slot preferences. We piece together the boat schedule based on requests while focusing on staffing efficiency and time taken to launch boats safely.

All summer registered rowers can opt to join the substitute rower list, or a rower can sign up as a sub only. This is an email contact list that allows rowers to fill their seats, sometimes last minute, when they can not make a row. The list is only to be used for this purpose and no other inside or outside of CMI.

Remember, 1) If you choose to cancel your row rather than using a substitute rower, that does not guarantee a row at a later date; and, 2) A substitute rower who accepts a spot is responsible for finding their own replacement should their plans change. 

To participate all rowers need to have accepted the CMI waiver and safety policy. This is normally done as part of the registration. If you did not, please contact us.

In addition we ask every rower to review the US Rowing Safety video before starting the season. It's a staple for most rowing clubs as it covers important knowledge for on the water, on the land, weather indicators, and how to respond in an emergency. The video is found embedded in our website on the rowing landing page and a link will be in your confirmation email.

Dress in layers – It may be warmer or colder on the water than on land. Avoid loose shirts in the back due to sliding seats.

Footwear matters – Your feet will get wet and the ramp can be slippery. Wear water shoes, crocs, or old sneakers (no flip-flops).

Bring a reusable water bottle – No single-use bottles. We’re a carry-in/carry-out facility and strive to reduce waste.

Sun protection – Wear sunblock, a cap with a visor, and/or sunglasses.

Leave valuables at home – CMI is not responsible for lost items. Only leave keys in the designated spot at the boathouse.

Parker Ave parking is very limited and requires a Cohasset All Facilities Sticker. Police do ticket for violations.

Sailing Club and Town Wharf parking also requires the sticker and should be reserved for sailors and fishermen.

Cohasset Lightkeepers lot is available only when there is no event. A CMI parking sign must be displayed on your dashboard each time you park there. Violators may be ticketed.

Border Street parking is open to all.

We highly encourage walking, biking, or carpooling whenever possible.

The weather is not in our control, and safety- yours and our staff's, drives our decisions. If CMI needs to cancel, due to unsafe conditions (dense fog, high wind) or a Harbor Master directive, your crew captain will be notified by text as soon as possible. They will then inform the rest of the crew.

Unfortunately, these weather events are rarely predictable, and conditions can shift at the start of row, roll in during, or clear up so we can row. If you haven't heard from CMI, assume the row is on! Ergs are always available when the boathouse is open, so you can still get in a rowing workout. 

If you show up and choose not to row in certain conditions because of personal preference, we still have to pay staff so we can not reschedule or offer a refund.

When your crew needs to cancel in advance, please have your crew captain notify Laura by email ([email protected]) so we can make needed adjustments to staffing. If this is a cancel within 24 hours the captain should text Frank 413-695-7369 and Laura 781-600-2100 ASAP. This does not mean either is at the boathouse but they can coordinate the necessary alerts/changes.

By policy, crews do not receive refunds or guaranteed make up sessions for cancellations. In practice, when possible, we try to offer make-ups during our "off" weeks (July break and the week after the season close) for crews impacted multiple times. This depends on staff availability and may require volunteer support. Always reach out if you feel this applies to your crew!

Also, don't forget- you have the option to substitute row in other boats as part of your season registration and we do our best to provide extra opportunities for you to row.