Youth Nationals 2019
Hi all!
A big THANK YOU to everyone who came to the banquet last night and celebrated the (almost) end of the spring season for the programs. With that being said… onto the last one! It’s time for Youth Nationals. Please read this blog carefully, as all of the relevant information for the trip can be found here.
Youth Nationals 2019 will be held at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida, from June 6-9 (this is a change from previous years, when there were only 3 days of racing). The team will be flying down early on Tuesday, June 4th and returning late evening Sunday, June 9th (or extremely early Monday June 10th). The flight and transportation information is below. We have contracted with A1 to provide a bus from the boathouse to the airport and back again on the return. Athletes will contact their rides with ETA to the boathouse after departing the Philadelphia airport Sunday night.
Please note that since we are flying on Southwest, all passengers are allowed a free checked bag, so there will be no additional fee for this.
Departure:
Bus leaves Caspersen rowing center @ 2:45AM on Tuesday, June 4th en route to Philadelphia airport.
Flight Southwest WN3529 Tuesday 4 June 19
Depart Philadelphia 5:45am
Arrive Tampa 8:25am
We have rented several vans for transportation for the duration of the trip. Athletes will drive to Sarasota to rig and row then check in at the hotel.
Hotel: Homewood Suites by Hilton Sarasota
3470 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, Florida 34237
Telephone (941) 365-7300
Approximately 12 minute drive from course
The hotel has kitchens in the rooms and breakfast is included, so most of the meals will be there. There will be at least one team dinner out; both teams would love to have all families join us for the dinner. Details will be forthcoming, but please email Matt (mcarlsen@rowpnra.org) or Jamie (jhamp@rowpnra.org) if you can come! We would love to have everyone who is traveling for the race at dinner with us!
Wednesday will be a training day, with racing Thursday through Sunday. After racing Sunday, the teams will try to find something enjoyable (beach?) for the rest of the day before heading to the airport.
Return:
Flight Southwest WN4466 Sunday 9 June 19
Depart Tampa 8:40pm
Arrive Philadelphia 11:15pm
Bus picks up at airport and expected arrival at Caspersen around 12:45-1am
Trip fee: The trip fee will be posted sometime later this week; Hilary will send out an email when the link is live. The current fee is around $1150, but we are still hoping to subsidize the trip by transporting boats and other equipment for teams. We understand it is an expensive trip and have done our best to keep costs down, but there are several costs (extra day of racing, hotels, trailer, etc) that are unfortunately fixed. We are committed to helping make it affordable; if you need financial assistance, please contact Hilary at hgehman@rowpnra.org
The girls travel roster is finalized; the boys travel roster will be finalized by the end of practice this Friday, but boat lineups are still subject to change.
Any further questions, please contact the parent coordinators, Hilary, or the coaches if necessary. Thank you for your support and GO MERCER!