Division 2 instructions

Map of the course

General

• The race will start at 14:00

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

Cut-off time

While we don't operate a boating schedule, we do strictly enforce a cut-off time at Trent Bridge to ensure that the race starts on time. Any crew that fails to make this cut-off 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 14:00 and the cut-off time for crews proceeding towards the start is: 

13:40 at Trent Bridge (about 1900 m from the start line).

This time is the latest that you can pass this point 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.

Marshalling

Warm up pieces

Conducting downstream warm-up pieces on the way to the start is not allowed anywhere on the river due to the risk of collision with crews that are proceeding upstream to the start. Any crew seen doing such a piece risks being disqualified from their event.

Marshalling area

• The marshalling area starts at the Suspension Bridge.

• Crews will be marshalled from the Toll Bridge downstream, with crew number 1 being furthest upstream (see map above).

Start

• When instructed to do so, crews will trickle upstream in number order, staying close to the bank and going through the narrow arch of the bridge.

• Continue upstream of launch W (see plan above) before ‘pulling on’ on bowside to move across to the County Bank of the river.

• Turn to face downstream.

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

• Build up to race speed by the bridge.

• Pass beneath the wide span of the Toll Bridge at 15 second intervals.

• The start will be indicated by the Starter saying “Number …x... GO”

• Timing will start just after the Toll Bridge

Warning: the stream will tend to push crews towards the centre buttress of the bridge.

Warning: after the start, the river bends to the right. Crews must steer around this corner - don’t drift over to the City Bank where crews will be marshalling for the start.

General

• The race will start at about 14:15, as soon as all boats on the short course are underway

• Crews will boat in reverse number order (the HIGHEST number boating first).

Cut-off times

While we don't operate a boating schedule, we do strictly enforce cut-off times at fixed locations to ensure that the race starts on time. Any crew that fails to make these cut-offs 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 crews.

The race starts at 14:00 and the two cut-offs for crews proceeding towards the start are:

13:20 at Trent Bridge (about 3800 m from the start line) . 

13:40 at Wilford Toll Bridge (about 2000 m from the start line).

These times are the latest that you can pass these points with a realistic chance of making the start time. You may need to leave more time if there is a strong current flowing, or a stiff headwind.

Marshalling

Warm up pieces

Conducting downstream warm-up pieces on the way to the start is not allowed anywhere on the river due to the risk of collision with crews that are proceeding upstream to the start. Any crew seen doing such a piece risks being disqualified from their event.

Marshalling area

• The marshalling area starts at Clifton Bridge. Crews should reach this area at least 15 minutes before the start time - anybody arriving after this may be required to race at the back of the division.

• On entering this area, scullers will report to the Marshal and then proceed to their marshalling position as indicated by the numbered pegs on the bank - crew number 1 is closest to Clifton Bridge and higher numbers are further upstream. 

• Crews will marshal on both sides of the river: odd numbers on the City side, even numbers on the Clifton side. The boards displaying marshalling positions will be on the City bank only (e.g. crew 2 marshals opposite crew 1). Bows must point upstream.

Start

• Crews will turn when instructed to do so (and not before) and will make their way downstream to the start in number order.

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

• Crews will build up to racing speed as they approach the Start, just before the bridge.

• The gap between crews will be at least 10 seconds.

• The start will be indicated by the Starter saying “Number …x... GO”.

Racing

• As a general guide, you should race down the CENTRE of the river.

• Any crew being overtaken by a faster crew MUST give way to the faster crew (i.e. move off the racing line).  Umpires are stationed at various points along the course and any crew adjudged to have impeded a faster crew will receive a time penalty.

• Take care to avoid other river users.

The finish

• When you hear the finish signal DO NOT STOP - continue paddling downstream through Trent Bridge and continue past the large yellow buoy situated beyond the rowing clubs. 

• When instructed to do so by the Finish Marshals, turn towards the Bridgford Bank to carefully return to the landing stages. Only when you have turned will you be allowed to stop to put kit on.

• Those boating from the NWSC should continue paddling downstream to the landing stage at Holme Pierrepont.

• 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.