Question 1

How do I sign-up for Practice?

Accepted Answer

Practice Sign-Ups will open on April, 2027.  An email will be sent to all team captains/administrators. 
If you do not receive an email with the practice information, please reach out to the race committee.

Question 2

How many practice sessions am I required to go to?

Accepted Answer

No practice attendance requirement.  However, paddlers are encouraged to attend as many practices as possible.  We strongly recommend that novice or out-of-practice paddlers attend at least 2 practices.

Question 3

Where is practice located?  When are the practice dates and times?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 Boston Dragon Boat Festival is complete.  See you in 2027!

Location: MIT Richard J. Resch Boathouse (409 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02139)
Time: Monday - Friday, 6:00-8:00PM

Practice is from: TBD 2027
A team may sign up for a maximum of four 1 hour practices.
A team may sign up for consecutive sessions on the same night except during the last week of practice (early June). A team may sign up for only one 1 hour practice during the week of early June.
Practice registration is first come, first served.

Question 4

What is the check-in process?

Accepted Answer

Before a team comes to their scheduled practice(s), please make sure that all attending athletes for that practice slot have signed their Athlete Registration Form 48 hours before their scheduled time.

Festival volunteers will check teams via this data provided.  To minimize delays, please try to have your team on time  and cooperate with our volunteer's instructions in this process.  After the check-in process is complete, your team can head down to the docks and prepare for practice.

Question 5

What are the Dock Rules?

Accepted Answer

General:

Please respect the MIT boathouse equipment and location.
Keep the bicycle path clear when waiting on shore to check in
Do not use the crew locker rooms in the boathouse
Leave belongings on the dock at your own risk
The festival is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings
Keep items in a car or bring a dry bag onto the boat

Please only be on the Dock if:
A Staff Member has checked your team in and you are ready to load your boat.
If your team has members who are very late, you may still load your boat (upon Staff approval) and circle back to get them before practice ends.
If you are late, please check in with Staff first before heading down to the docks to be picked up by your team.
You are done with practice and returning your equipment.  Please do not linger on the dock.
No running on the dock.

Practice Equipment:
You may use your own paddle and Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
PFDs must be US Coast Guard approved. No inflatables.

Rules of the River:
Stay close to shore. Do not linger in the middle of the river.
Do not race towards the boathouse
Always be aware of your surroundings and give way to other craft

Question 6

Is there parking near the practice location?

Accepted Answer

There is parking at the practice location.  However, parking is severely limited.  We strongly advise that all practicing athletes use:
public transportation
ride share services
carpools

If you do choose to park your vehicle, please use Vassar Street and Memorial Drive (opposite side of the boat house).  Please be aware that both these street's parking is metered.  Please keep parking in front of the boat house clear for MIT staff.

Question 7

Protocol for Inclement Weather?

Accepted Answer

Race practices are rain or shine.  In the uncommon case in which practice is cancelled then the Festival will notify team captains/administrators via email and social media.

Lightning Protocol:   If  thunder is heard or lightning is seen while your team is on the water, your team is to immediately head back to the boathouse and wait for 30 minutes.  If there is no more  thunder/lightning during that time, then your team can head back out. If there is more thunder/lightning then the 30 minute wait resets each time.

Question 8

May I bring a drone to my team's practice?

Accepted Answer

Current ruling is no drones can take off or land on DCR property.

Practice FAQ

How do I sign-up for Practice?

How many practice sessions am I required to go to?

Where is practice located? When are the practice dates and times?

What is the check-in process?

What are the Dock Rules?

Is there parking near the practice location?

Protocol for Inclement Weather?

May I bring a drone to my team's practice?

Specialty Race FAQ

Location, Date, and Time

Specialty Race Schedule, Format, and Captains Meetings

What to bring for Specialty Race Day

Is there parking for the Specialty Race?

General Procedure for getting Race Wristbands

Does my team have to stay the entire day?

Where can I wait for my Specialty Race ? Can I bring a tent? Can I bring a portable grill?

May I bring a drone to Specialty Race ?

Race Day FAQ

Race Day Date, Site, and Team Tent Map

Race Schedule and Format, Captains Meeting

Where is the Drop-Off Area?

As a participating team, where can my Athletes park?

What to bring on Race Day

Are we allowed to distribute promotional materials or sell merchandise at our team tent?

May I bring a drone on Race Day?