Race Information - Navigation & Marshalling
Race Rules | Navigation & Marshalling | Notes for Visiting Crews | Clubs along the Course
NAVIGATION RULES
During the river closure crews should be in the middle of the river when travelling with the tide and as near the bank as conditions allow when travelling against the tide (note that the river is only closed between Kew and Putney Rail Bridges from ~1hr before the race and until the last boat has crossed the finish line). Outside the river closure: You will find instructions at: www.pla.co.uk
This applies to both Tideway and non-tideway crews. All coxes must be familiar with the Rowing Code of Practice for the Tidal Thames between Putney and Richmond before boating at any time. This can be found at http://cms.thames-rrc.org/rowing-on-the-thames/navigation-on-the-river-thames/
Incidents whilst boating on the tideway either during the race or otherwise should be reported to the Regional Rowing Council using the online reporting system. http://www.thames-rrc.org/safety . Incidents during the race should also be reported to the race organisers.
AT ALL TIMES YOU MUST TAKE GREAT CARE AROUND ALL BRIDGES & FIXED / MOORED OBSTRUCTIONS.
NAVIGATION AND MARSHALLING INSTRUCTIONS
Crews are reminded that ALL boats must have Boat ID’s see :- Click here for more details.
Click here to download full NAVIGATION AND MARSHALLING INSTRUCTIONS
Please ensure that all crews entering the race study these instructions carefully
RACE NUMBERS
Numbers will be distributed to host clubs before the race –Ensure you correctly identify your host club and inform the Entries Secretary if it changes.
Plastic Race Numbers must be returned to the point from which they were collected or a charge of £30 will be incurred. Race numbers must be displayed while marshalling and racing. All crews will be issued with 3 paper numbers, one for the back of the cox (outside of Life jacket) and two for bow (one for back of racing vest and one the outer clothing).
If numbers are not visible when racing you are unlikely to be given a time.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The organisers do not accept responsibility for crews or equipment. It is each crew's responsibility to familiarise itself with these race specific instructions and local rules of the river, plus ensure that your boat conforms to the ARA Water Safety Code.
Note: NO electronic coach to crew communication (this includes megaphones) are allowed during the race, in or approaching the Marshalling areas. Cycling along the Towpath is NOT condoned in the interest of Public safety.
CREW COMPETENCE
If a Club enters a crew which is deemed not to be sufficiently competent to race, the crew will be escorted off the course & action will be taken against the offending club.
Captains must ensure that they only enter crews that are properly prepared for the race, crews should be capable of completing a ten mile outing and may be on the water for over two hours. Hypothermia is a real danger, crews should take warm clothing on the water with them and a plastic bag is always useful for placing clothing in during the race.
CREW CHANGES
Must be given to the Entries Secretary, (on race day the Entry Sec. will be found at Thames RC at Putney). All crew members must be ARA / WARA / SARA registered (excluding Overseas crews).
BOATING
Wherever you wish to boat from, please obtain permission from the Clubs involved.
Crews boating from Putney should allow at least an hour to row to the start; this is the Boat Race course against the stream, and in strong stream conditions can take at least 1.25 hours.
If you are boating from a Putney boathouse as a visiting crew, please comply with the parking instructions as shown on the parking permit and please obey any instructions you are given by the Police, Traffic Wardens or our Stewards. When unloading and loading boats at Putney please remember to leave sufficient room for emergency vehicles to pass.
In the event of adverse river/weather conditions:-
Prior to race day - please check the website for updated information. If this is not possible, contact Simon Blackburn on Friday evening, telephone 07811 459 462 to check if the race will take place.
On Race day - please take note of any announcements made by the Control Commission personnel in your area. We will aim to advise crews 2 hrs before the Race start time (i.e before crews go afloat) if the start of the race is in question and will also give a time (likely to be within the 1hr) whether the race will proceed or be cancelled. If you are in any doubt about going afloat please ask.
Note: You should be sure that your crew is competent to cope with the prevailing conditions before you allow them to boat.
In the event of Lightning, you must follow the Marshals' instructions.
RACE CONTROL is at Mortlake Anglian & Alpha BC, above Chiswick Bridge, on the Middlesex bank 020 8994 1628.
MEDICAL COVER
(varying combinations of paramedics, ambulances & doctors) will be present during and after the race outside Vesta RC - Putney, St Paul’s School – above Hammersmith Bridge, Civil Service Boathouse - below Barnes Railway Bridge and MA&A BC - above Chiswick Bridge. (see map)
RESCUE SERVICES
Safety cover will be provided from approx. 30min. prior to Start Time & 30min. after the last crew passes the Finish line. The Safety Boats will be situated:- above Chiswick Bridge (ULBC); below Chiswick Bridge (Budweiser Brewery), below Barnes Rail Bridge; Chiswick Pier; Dove Pier - Hammersmith; Harrods Depository; Black Buoy; at Finish & below Putney Rail Bridge.
Crews going above Kew Rail Bridge or ~80yards below Putney Rail Bridge will be off the Marshalled course and run the risk No safety cover. Please see Marshalling maps.
ACCIDENTS
Land: Contact the nearest official or first aid facility.
Water: If practical, stay with the boat and wait for the marshal or safety launch. At landing site the crew must stay together and go to the designated boathouse for head count and medical checks. The designated boathouses along the course are:- Mortlake Anglian & Alpha; Civil Service BH; St Pauls; Vesta RC
TELEPHONES
Public coin boxes may be found at HSBC and Thames RC at Putney; Auriol Kensington RC at Hammersmith; Civil Service Boathouse and Thames Tradesmen's RC at Barnes Bridge; Tideway Scullers School and Mortlake Anglian & Alpha RC at Chiswick (Middlesex bank) and Putney Town RC at Chiswick (Surrey bank)
Provisional Results will be posted as soon as possible after the race (click here to see the results page)
Comments and suggestions about any aspect of the race to eventsec@wehorr.org