HEAD OF THE RIVER 2008

SATURDAY 15^th March 2008 @ 09:45 hrs

1.

The ‘Marshalling Area’ extends from Kew Railway Bridge to the crossing upstream of Chiswick Eyot.

2.

   Crews must not engage in warming up rowing in the Marshalling Area after 09:15 hrs. Warming up rowing includes rowing at full, firm or race pressure unless specifically directed to proceed at that pressure by a race marshal or umpire. Shore based marshals are identified by yellow tabards.

The Chief Marshal will be located on the upstream side of Chiswick Bridge.

3.

Crews will await the start in 8 divisions, heading upstream in reverse order of starting.

Leave a navigation channel between divisions 1 and 2 to enable crews in divisions 1 & 2 travelling upstream to reach their marshalling positions without using the middle of the river.

(Div 1 should be approximately in line with the Surrey buttress of Chiswick Bridge)

Surrey Side

(Linen numbers Black on Pink)

Middlesex Side

(Linen numbers Black on Yellow)

Division 1

(centre)

1 - 50

Division 2

51 - 105

Division 4

156 - 210

Division 6

261 - 315

Division 8

366 - 420

Please see the plan below of the marshalling area and identify your position in relation to landmarks. When waiting, crews must maintain their position against the tide, leaving half a length between crews.

4.

In the marshalling area, the middle of the river must be left for crews going with the tide, crews going against the tide must be on the side in which they are marshalling

At 09:35, all crews marshalling in divisions 1,2 & 3 must be upstream of Chiswick Bridge and in their Marshalling positions.

By 09:35 Crews marshalling in divisions 4 - 8 must be downstream of Chiswick Bridge and on their marshalling side of the river.  You may not cross the river in the marshalling area after this time. The last crossing place heading upstream after 09:35 is at Chiswick Eyot - below the marshalling area - and is patrolled by a marshal

Crews in divisions 4 - 8 should be assembled by the following times:

Div 4 & 5:by 09:30

Div 6 & 7: by 09:35

Div 8: by 09:45

5.

Crews must abide by the boating arrangements of their host clubs.

N.B.  for crews boating away from Putney, both number plates and linen numbers will be delivered to your nominated host club: you do not collect them from Putney. Crews boating from Putney should collect them at Ranelagh Sailing Club on either Friday ( 14th ) between 10:00 - 19:00 or Saturday ( 15th ) between 07:00 - 09:00.  There will be detailed instructions on the envelope with the numbers.

Number plates should however be returned to Putney in the usual way after the race.

Number plates and linen numbers on both bow and cox’n must be visible at all times

6.

There will be a "5 minute Warning to the start" at 09:40 by the Marshals to the crews; At 09:44 Division 1 starts to turn on the instruction of the Marshals.  Likewise Divisions 2 and 3 will turn on the instruction of the Marshals.

On the instructions of a marshal, boats in the division due to turn will do so simultaneously, bows towards the middle of the river. Do not ‘spin turn’ close inshore. You must then proceed downstream closed up in a double line, even numbers on the Surrey side, odd numbers on Middlesex. Banners on Chiswick Bridge indicate the position to pass under the bridge. You should close up until you are one boat length of clear water behind the crew in the adjacent line.

Keep closed up and do not easy unless told to do so by the Start Marshal above Chiswick Bridge.

7.

Boats will be formally started from a launch just below Chiswick Bridge at approximately 10 second intervals with the instruction "No 1...... ROW" etc. The timing point is the University Stone about 75 metres downstream of the Start.

8.

Divisions 4 - 8 waiting downstream of the start MUST obey instructions of marshals to close up and move towards their final turning position in the area between Chiswick and Kew Railway Bridges.

  Crews 260 and 365 (lead crews in divs 5 & 7) will lead their division up to the petrol pier upstream of University of London, before turning

Crews 210. 315 and 420 will lead divisions 4, 6 & 8 up to just below the Railway Bridge, before turning. All crews will have to paddle hard to keep closed up, as instructed.

9.

Crews must abide by the Rules of the Race whilst marshalling, racing and returning to the boathouses.

NB Safety:

Random inspections will take place to assure compliance with the ARA Safety Code.

Safety cover will extend from Kew Railway Bridge to approximately 200 yards below Fulham Railway Bridge

NB At the finish of the race you are directed to turn below Fulham Railway Bridge. Be prepared to return round the outside of Putney Pier if the route under the Pier is obstructed or if directed by a marshal to do so.

10.

Due to the early start this year crews should leave plenty of time to reach their marshalling positions before the start.