Division 1 instructions

Map of the course

Boating

• Crews will boat in race order (the LOWEST number boating first).

• During boating, crews may be asked to carry out safety checks, overseen by an Umpire, on bow balls, heel restraints, boat flotation and hatches. Boats that are found to be improperly equipped or unsafe will not be allowed to race until any identified issues are rectified.

Cut-off times

We ensure that the race starts on time by strictly enforcing cut-off times at two fixed locations. Any sculler that fails to make it to these locations by the prescribed time will not be allowed to take part in the race - it's unfair on the majority to delay the race for the sake of a few late crews.

The race starts at 10:00 and the two cut-off times for crews proceeding towards the start are:

CUT-OFF 1 : 09:15 at Trent Bridge (about 4300 m from the start line). 

CUT-OFF 2 : 09:30 at Wilford Toll Bridge (about 2500 m from the start line).

These times should be interpreted as the latest that you can pass these points with a realistic chance of making the start time. You may need to allow more time to reach the start if there's a strong current or a stiff headwind.

Warm up pieces

Downstream warm-up pieces are not allowed anywhere on the river due to the risk of collision with scullers proceeding in the opposite direction. Anyone  seen doing such a piece risks being disqualified from their event.

Marshalling

• All boats will be marshalled on the City side of the river, with bows pointing upstream. Number 1 will be near the Start (just upstream of Grove Farm), with the highest number being furthest downstream.

• The marshalling area starts about 500 m downstream of Clifton Bridge. Scullers should reach this area at least 15 minutes before the division's start time - anybody arriving after this may be required to race at the back of the division.

• On entering this area, scullers must report to the Marshal and then proceed to their marshalling position as indicated by the numbered pegs on the bank.

Preparing to race

• When instructed to do so, crews should paddle upstream, keeping close to the bank and remaining in number order as they do so.

• Once upstream of the Start, the Start Marshal will instruct them to turn to point their bows downstream.

Warning: failure to follow Marshals' instructions at any stage could lead to disqualification.

Race start

• There will be a short run-up to the start, and you should be at race pace as you go across the start line. The gap between scullers will be about 15 seconds.

• The start of race timing will be indicated by the Starter saying “Number X ... GO!”.

During the race

• As a general guide, you should race down the CENTRE of the river; for more detailed information, see the Autumn Head steering guide.

• Any sculler being overtaken MUST give way to the faster boat (i.e. move to the left or right to allow them unimpeded passage).  Umpires are stationed at various points along the course and any crew adjudged to have impeded a faster crew will receive a time penalty.

• IMPORTANT: all scullers MUST use the CENTRE span of the Lady Bay girder bridge (i.e. when you pass under the bridge there are big metal pillars on either side of you – see the picture below). Crews that fail to observe this rule will incur a mandatory ONE-MINUTE time penalty.

• Take care to avoid other river users.

The finish

• When you hear the finish signal DO NOT STOP - continue paddling downstream until you're past a large yellow buoy situated beyond the finish. 

• Those boating from the NWSC should continue paddling downstream to the landing stage at Holme Pierrepont. Normal rules of the river apply, so keep to starboard.

• If you're returning to Trentside, you must turn towards the Bridgford (County) Bank when instructed to do so by the Finish Marshals. Only then will you be allowed to stop to put kit on.

• When you're ready, return to your landing stages by paddling upstream, all the while keeping close to the Bridgford (County) Bank. Other crews will probably still be racing downstream, so be very careful to stay close in to the bank and keep a good lookout.

• At Lady Bay Bridge, use only the Bridgford (County) span of the bridge (i.e. the one on the inside of the bend). 

• Do not overtake other crews that are returning to the landing stages.

• Crews should note that they are still under the rules of the event when returning to the landing stages.

Failure to follow Marshals' instructions at any stage could lead to disqualification.