Division 2

Boating

Crews will boat in reverse number order (the highest numbered crews will take to the water first). Although we don't enforce a strict boating timetable, we expect crews to boat early enough so that they're in position and ready to race by the published division start times.

There are strictly-enforced cut-off times at Trent Bridge and the Toll Bridge (see the highlighted text below).

Latest boating times

FROM TRENTSIDE

8+ 11:45

4+ / 4- / 4x- 11:30

FROM HOLME PIERREPONT

8+ 11:15

4+ / 4- / 4x- 11:00

The times above are the latest that a competent Open crew could take to the water, in average conditions, in order to get to the start on time.

Cut-off locations & times for crews proceeding to the start

Trent Bridge (about 4 km from the start): 30 minutes before the advertised division start time.
Wilford Toll Bridge (about 2 km from the start): 20 minutes before the advertised division start time.

Crews that can't make these cut-offs will be turned around and sent back to the stages so that the divisions can start on time. It is unfair for the majority to wait in the cold for a few disorganized crews.

Marshalling at the start

All crews will marshal well above Clifton Bridge and should reach this area at least 15 minutes before the advertised division start time. Crews that arrive after this time will be held back and required to race at the back of the division.
ODD NUMBERED CREWS will marshal on the City (north) bank - crew no. 1 will be positioned midway between Grove Farm and Clifton Bridge, bows pointing upstream.
EVEN NUMBERED CREWS will marshal on the Club (south) bank - crew no. 2 will be positioned opposite crew 1, midway between Grove Farm and Clifton Bridge, bows pointing upstream.
Odd-numbered crews 3 to 99 will be upstream of crew no. 1 on the City side of the river, with the highest number furthest upstream.
Even numbered crews 4 to 100 will be upstream of crew no. 2 on the Club side of the river, with the highest number furthest upstream.
There will be number markers on the bank to guide your positioning, and marshals on the bank can provide assistance. Note that ALL number markers are on the Nottingham bank - crews 2 - 100 should position themselves on the bank opposite the appropriate number.
Downstream practice pieces are strictly forbidden anywhere on the course or in the marshalling area and are highly likely to lead to immediate disqualification.

Start

Crews will be INSTRUCTED when to turn by the start marshal on the bank. Failure to follow the marshals’ instructions at this stage could lead to disqualification.
Crews should turn in number order when instructed to do so by the marshal. He or she may insert gaps into the start order between boat classes in order to reduce the chances of interference on the course.
After turning, you should paddle towards the start while maintaining number order. Ideally, the gap between successive crews would be 10 to 20 seconds.
The start marker (a yellow START banner) is on the Club side, about 50 metres upstream of Clifton Bridge.
You should be up to racing speed before reaching the start.
As you pass the start, the starter will call "Number X ... GO!". The timing starts on “GO”.

Racing

The general rule is to race down the centre of the river - see the steering guide for more information.
DURING THE RACE, ANY CREW BEING OVERTAKEN BY A FASTER CREW MUST GIVE WAY TO THE FASTER CREW. Observers will be stationed at various points along the course and any crew that is adjudged to impede a faster crew will receive a time penalty.

Finish

The finish marker (a yellow FINISH banner) is at the flagpoles about 100 m above Trent Bridge, on the Club side.
After hearing the finish signal DO NOT STOP, but proceed through Trent Bridge until you are downstream of the rowing clubs.
If returning to Trentside, spin after the large yellow buoy under the direction of the finish marshals. Only when you have turned will you be allowed to stop and replace kit.
Once you've turned, proceed back to your landing stages. Crews returning upstream to the boathouses must keep close to the West Bridgford bank.
Those crews returning to Holme Pierrepont should continue down the centre of the river, keeping a close watch for other river traffic. Note: when not in a race, you should always pass through the West Bridgford (inside) arch of Lady Bay Bridge when heading downstream.
Crews are still under the rules of the event when returning to the landing stages. Failure to follow the directions of the finish or bank marshals could lead to disqualification.