Regatta organizers announced today that for the first time there will be a mandatory coxswains' weigh-in before each day of racing. For years, the Regatta has maintained a "don't ask don't tell" policy (minimum weight of 100 pounds) However, due to recent changes in other weight classifications, and the vociferous complaints of certain Masters' crews, HOCR organizes felt compelled to "balance the scales" of equanimity and set a new "maximum load" limit for coxswains. In 2009, coxswains shall weight no more than the lightest oarsman/woman in the shell. Weigh-in procedure will take place on the HOCR Awards' Stage and be broadcast live on the Web at www.hocr.org. Organizers hope to establish a new tradition with the 'heaviest coxswain' being unceremoniously tossed in the Charles - before the start of racing.
Additionally, in celebration of the Cambridge Boat Club's Centennial and upon the recommendation of certified aquifer specialist Raoul Hemoglobin, the Head Of The Charles Regatta Directors are pleased to announce that the 2009 course shall run downstream rather than upstream. Hemoglobin predicts that with the anticipated 2009 summer storms, the current will lengthen the average course time by 3 - 5 minutes. In the interest of daylight, the Directors agreed to swap the direction of the course thereby shortening the average course time and allowing room for 600 additional boats over the two day event.
For the 2009 Regatta, the HOCR course will begin at the Cambridge Boat Club and finish roughly 2.5 miles downstream at the DeWolfe boathouse. The Starting and Warm-up Zone shall be located across from the former Finish Area Launch Site at Artesani Park. Boats may proceed through any arch of all seven bridges. All boats shall be escorted upstream between races by Official Head Of The Charles Launches in a format similar to the Head Of The River race. Any boat violating this rule, is subject to disqualification.
Additionally, all awards ceremonies will be held at the former Row-A-Palooza site where a Europe tribute band will play "Final Countdown" on repeat.
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