An Indoor Regatta is a race on indoor rowing machines called ergometers (ergs).  The Atlanta Erg Sprints uses brand new Concept 2 Model D ergs.  Erg monitors display the time and distance you have rowed, and the speed and pace you are rowing at.  The ergs are lined up side by side and are all synched to a centralized timing system through the ergs monitors.  All the ergs are set to 2000 meters (except special category races which are 1000 meter and 500 meter races).  Everyone starts at the same time and it is a race to finish the 2000 meters first!  Everyone will finish the race (just like an outdoor regatta or a running race) but at different times. 

The erg monitor will tell you when to start as each erg is synched to a centralized timing system.  The system is also synched to TV screens which also indicate the start of the sprint.  Each erg is represented as a graphic of a boat on the TV screen.  The athletes name is next to the boat and as the athlete moves, the boat moves on the TV Screen.  So spectators can see who is winning the race. 

The erg monitor also tells you which place you are currently in as you can't see you competition ahead or behind you like in an outdoor regatta or a running race.  It will also tell you how many seconds you are ahead of the next person by. 

More Specifics about the Atlanta Erg Sprints

• There are different events an athlete can row in.  These events are divided by age, experience, weight, or position on a team.
  
• Each competitor only races once per event, but there are only 20 ergs total.  This means that there is usually more than one flight per event.  The fastest time out of all the flights will win that category.  For example, the Junior Men event might have 80 competitors (4 flights of 20).  The three fastest times from all four flights will win the first, second and third place medals.  Competitors will be seeded, based upon erg scores submitted at registration.  However, if you are a legitimate contender for a medal, do not assume that the people in your row are necessarily the fastest people in your event.  Row your hardest, best piece, no matter what. We will not entertain complaints that you would have rowed faster if you had your competition rowing next to you. The best time overall will win each event.
• Competitors may race in more than one event.  Coaches sometimes compete in the Open Events, and the Coaches 500 meter dash.  Many people row in their own event, and then in the Team Relay.