The division starts at 10:00
The race is rowed downstream from Grove Farm, about 500 m above Clifton Bridge
The finish is at the Sea Cadets' base (TS Orion), about 1200 m below Lady Bay Bridge, giving a course length of approximately 6000 m.
Please take note of the cut-off times on the way to the start (scroll down to find these times): any scullers not past the given locations by the specified times will not be allowed to race.
Competitors must abide by the guidelines in British Rowing Row Safe https://www.britishrowing.org/about-us/policies-guidance/rowsafe/
Boats may be checked for safety before being allowed on the water. Before race day everyone is asked to check: (i) heel restraints; (ii) watertight compartments and (iii) bow balls.
The River Trent is a Canal & River Trust (CRT) waterway. Competing clubs that normally row on non-CRT waters must ensure that they have the appropriate water-use licences - these are available via the following link https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/license-your-boat
Please note that NO VEHICLES ARE ALLOWED onto Trentside North (where the clubs are) from Trent Bridge.
Follow the link below for detailed information on parking for trailers, competitors and spectators.
Registration will open by 07.45 in Nottingham Rowing Club.
Each boat will be issued with a plastic number to display in the slot on its bow, and a paper number that should be pinned to the sculler's back (on their racing kit, so that it is clearly visible to the timing team). IMPORTANT: the paper number is a backup should the bow number be dislodged - if it's not clearly visible then we may not be able to award you a time.
In order to keep the number of people coming to registration to a minimum, clubs should arrange for a single representative to collect all of its numbers. It is the club's responsibility to ensure that the numbers are subsequently handed out correctly!
Everyone must have their BR racing licence to hand - event winners should expect to have their identities checked, and there will also be spot checks of competitor identity.
Refreshments will be available at the clubs on Trentside.
Toilet facilities will be in the provided portable toilets outside the clubs on Trentside and near the trailer car park.
There will be no formal presentation - event winners should collect their prizes from registration. Winners' identities will be verified by inspection of BR Racing Licences, so please have these to hand.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!”.
Race down the CENTRE of the river.
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.
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.
Weil’s Disease (also known as Leptospirosis) is very rare in UK rivers, but due to the risk, however small, no one is allowed to enter the water for any reason.
The Organising Committee welcomes any feedback you may have about the event, including aspects you liked as well as any improvements you feel we can make. Your feedback can be given on the day at registration, or via email at nottmautumnhead@gmail.com