Two weeks prior to race day the Raft Race Committee will conduct a Captains' meeting at the Portland Riverside Marina. www.portlandriversidemarina.com Attendance is mandatory for all Captains and we encourage you to invite your entire crew to attend this gathering. The key information passed on at this meeting will include the specific details and nuances of the event. The main focus will be to enlighten all participants as to how the event takes place. The details to be covered will include but not be limited to: Safety Requirements & Equipment, Race Rules, Parking Arrangements, Inspection, Launching Procedures & Towing to the Mooring Areas, The Starting Area & Cannon, Race course, Navigation, Support Boats, Anticipated Race Duration, Competition Classes, Finish Line, Awards, Amenities at Dart Island, Day’s end, and any last minute developments and/or instructions. At the conclusion of these discussions the committee will then respond to specific questions, concerns, or comments from the event participants. When all matters have been adequately explained, the registration process will commence. Keep in mind that this day also marks the registration deadline. It is imperative that you submit your entry forms & crew member list. All Captains must also sign a Release and Hold Harmless Agreement on behalf of his/her crew & entry. There will be a Notary Public available at the meeting to certify Captains’ signatures on registration forms, so be sure to bring identification. Entry fees will be $12 per crew member, with a minimum of 3 people per crew. During the registration period, event T-shirts and beverage Koozies will be on sale. We will also provide the latest rafting information and materials. After the registration process has concluded, everyone is invited to stick around for a social hour. There will be lots of rafting memorabilia left out for everyone to browse through during the afternoon. We will have event pictures, albums, news articles, magazine stories, and all sorts of other stuff to look at. Folks are encouraged to bring along their favorite beverages and/or snacks to enjoy during the Captains’ Meeting. If you wish to contribute some of your own rafting mementos, feel free to bring them along to share. There will be light refreshments & music by Otto. There will be many repeat offenders in attendance who will be signing up. They will also be exchanging stories about previous races, discussing raft improvements & ideas, and declaring how much fun or misery they endured at last year’s event. Feel free to listen in on the discussions and say hello. We believe this camaraderie lends a hand to our new participants & volunteers who want to get a better feel for the event. The Raft Race Committee promotes a safe, family-oriented event. We strongly encourage all participants, guests, local dignitaries, and each rafting team to act in a responsible sportsman-like manner, obey all safety requirements, assist their fellow rafters when necessary, and above all, enjoy the event. It is because of our exceptional safety record that we are able to hold a raft race each year. Remember, Safety comes first! Watch out for your fellow rafters, lend assistance when needed, and have fun.