Competitor Instructions

Check In

Competitors should visit the Regatta Office to collect their race numbers, weigh in and declare last-minute substitutions at least 40 minutes before race time.

An "Empacher" crew number will be issued by the Regatta Office and must be fixed to the bow of the boat before going afloat. Please return the number to the Regatta Office when you have finished the event. Different numbers will be issued for the morning and afternoon divisions, and afternoon numbers will be issued during the lunch-break. Please note that any numbers not returned will be charged at £5 to the club concerned.

All coxswains must visit the Regatta Office before going afloat, with their weights if under the minimum weight. A weight certificate will be issued by the office.

Race and Draw Organisation

The regatta no longer uses the "Ghent" draw method and lanes are allocated to all crews in advance - please see the Programme. Lane allocations may be changed at the start by the umpires because of safety considerations or if crews scratch at short notice.

Time Keeping - PLEASE NOTE:

Any crew not at the start pen 10 minutes before race time risks being disqualified.

We do not like to disqualify any crew, especially junior crews and crews that have travelled a long way but, in the interests of all competitors and to ensure the regatta runs on time and that the racing is fair, there will be no exceptions.

We have a full day’s racing with races every 6 minutes and it is not possible to run the regatta any other way. Please be on time to avoid disappointment.

Boating Instructions

The boating area is always busy so please help yourselves and us by following these steps:

  • Go afloat 30 minutes before race time to ensure your crew reaches the start on time
  • Your boat must be checked by an umpire before you proceed to the boating pontoon.
  • Random checks will be made to ensure the crew members going afloat are the same as those entered in the regatta. If you have a last-minute substitution to make, go to the Regatta Office in good time to record it. Do not leave it until your crew is afloat.
  • Coxswains must wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid in the correct manner and be familiar with the method of operation. In "front-loader" boats coxswains must wear manually-operated gas inflation life jackets
  • There are two separate sets of pontoons. Number 1 Pontoon (nearer the start) is for going afloat, and Number 2 Pontoon (nearer the finish) is for coming ashore.
  • Oars may not be left on the pontoon prior to boating. Oars should be left on the side of the dock above the pontoon.
  • Maximum of 1 non-rower per crew allowed on the pontoon, all other supporters to stay on shore.
  • Please adjust stretchers away from the pontoon.
  • Boats coming ashore must give way to those going afloat.
  • The boat marshalls’ instructions must be followed at all times.

Going to the Start

The circulation pattern for the Royal Albert Dock is CLOCKWISE. You proceed towards the start along the North side of the dock (the same side as the boating pontoons). You race back in the racing lanes towards the South side of the dock (nearer the airport). All turns are clockwise, i.e. towards bow-side, i.e. stroke-side paddling on.

Crews may warm up on their way to the start by turning clockwise into the racing lanes at the 1500m mark, moving towards the finish line as far as the 750m mark, then turning clockwise again back into the approach lane to the start. This can only be done after a race has passed. Any crew impeding a race, or turning into the racing lanes outside the 750m-1500m zone, will be disqualified.

Race Rules

All races will be conducted under British Rowing rules.

Start Procedure

Coaches are requested to ensure that their crews are competent in attaching to the stakeboat. Crews that are unable to attach correctly within a reasonable period will be excluded from the race. The following "Best Practice for Getting onto the Start on Non-Tidal Water" has been issued by the Thames Regional Umpires Commission:

Crews experiencing difficulty in getting attached at the start become unfocused and do not race at their best. Coaches should ensure that their crews following the ensuing guidelines to minimise delays and facilitate smoother racing. They should:

1. Move onto the allotted lane without impeding crews in other lanes.
2. Turn their boat within the lanes' width, 50 metres from the start, directly ahead of the stake boat.
3. The stern half of the crew should back down at backstops and without slides - Bow half of the crew sit with blades flat on the water.
4. The boat speed is checked by the bow half just before attaching by squaring their blades. The stake is thus not pulled out of alignment. Stroke is to control this manoeuvre in bow loaded boats.
5. Minor adjustments in direction by 'bow' or 'two' as appropriate taking short stabs at front stops using arms only (no slides).
6. More significant adjustments to be done by 'bow' or 'two' passing blade handle to 'two' or 'three', who then takes short stabs using arms with the blade well ahead of front stops (no slide).

Adjustment needs to be continuous in cross winds to over compensate until advised to stop and get ready by the starter.

Clear instructions on starting the race will be given by the starter.

Qualification for finals

In events with 7 entries divided into two heats of 4 and 3, 2 crews from each heat will proceed to the final.

In events with 8 or more entries divided into two heats of 4 or more, 3 crews from each heat will proceed to the final.

If an event is run with three heats, normally the first two crews from each heat will proceed to the final.

Lane and heat allocations in the programme will be adhered to. If crews scratch from a heat so that 4 or fewer crews row, the number of crews qualifying for the final will be one less than the number rowing. If only one crew rows, they must row-over to qualify for the final.

There is no repecharge system.

Prizes

Please bring your British Rowing Racing Cards with you as evidence of identity, points status and membership of British Rowing. We will not ask for your cards to be deposited at the Regatta Office, but we will carry out random checks on crews going afloat and your crew will be disqualified if the individuals competing are not the same as your entry. Every year we are obliged to withhold prizes from crews because a crew member cannot prove their identity or membership of British Rowing. The simplest, most foolproof method of proving identity is to carry your British Rowing card with you.

Winning crews should go to the Regatta Office with their British Rowing Cards for checking and updating where relevant. A prize slip will be issued by the Regatta Office which should be taken to the presentation marquee to collect prizes. There are engraved tankards for all winners.

Some events have trophies associated with them (please see the Programme). Official crew photographs can be taken at the presentation marquee for events with a Trophy.

A Victor Ludorum trophy will be awarded to the most successful men's and the most successful women's club.

IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE

Cycling is NOT ALLOWED within the enclosure. Coaches on bicycles may follow crews outside the enclosure, but NOT in the enclosure. In previous years some coaches have ignored this rule and there have been several accidents. This year any club or school, be it a coach or identified supporter, ignoring this rule will lead to the AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION of their crew(s) from the race and event involved.

Safety – Please Note:

The water is deep, and the dock walls are high. However careful you are at regattas, you should be very alert to the dangers at the Royal Albert Dock. In particular, children should be adequately supervised. We will do our best to create a safe environment and will provide medical facilities. You can help by observing our safety precautions.
THE REGATTA CAN ACCEPT NO LIABILITY FOR ANY LOSSES OR DAMAGE TO PERSONS OR EQUIPMENT.

Finally, have a great day’s racing!

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