OK, so you may not win your race by following the following guidelines. But with your understanding (and common sense), you'll help make racing at the Head Of The Charles Regatta safe and efficient for everyone...
Practice Schedule
FRIDAY, OCT 16
Docks will be staffed by HOCR event volunteers from approximately 12:30 - 5:30 PM. No Boats may launch after 5:30 PM and must be off the water by 6 PM.
SATURDAY, OCT 17
Practice restricted to singles, doubles, and quads ONLY. All boats must be off the water prior to the first event at 7:45 AM.
NO PRACTICE SATURDAY AFTERNOON.
NO PRACTICE ANYTIME ON SUNDAY.
Finish Area Launch Setup (FALS) location:
View FALS (Finish Area Launch Site) in a larger map
Finish Area Launch Setup (FALS) guidelines:
- Good Sportsmanship must prevail at all times.
- Each boat must have a Bow Number Card affixed to bow. Shirt Number Card (bib) must be worn visibly on back of each single sculler, each bow seat rower, and each coxswain. An additional Shirt Number Card (bib) will be provided for ALL boats and must be affixed to stern decking with tape (supplied).
- All boats must have an appropriate bow ball affixed firmly or will not be able to launch for practice or racing. Competitors are responsible for obtaining their own bow ball, if necessary.
- All boats will be checked for heel-ties before launching. If heel-ties are not attached, boats will be asked to step aside to properly fix them before launching.
- Crews should have all oars ready at dock area, prior to walking their boats to the docks.
- Crews are to tie-in at their dock before launching and ready to row upon leaving dock (i.e., do not tie-in on the water). This should be done in a smooth fashion. Crews have about 2-3 minutes to load, tie-in, and launch.
- When returning after their race, crews have 3-4 minutes to clear docks after landing. HOCR volunteer "Oar Catchers" will help take the oars away, to nearby onshore.
- Docks are restricted to competitors plus one boat representative, and HOCR Volunteers, for safety reasons.
- Docks are parallel to the shore so only one side may be used. Depending on the Dock Master's call, a dock may be used for launching and landing. Please listen carefully to the Dock Master of that dock for specific instructions. Launching crews may take priority over landing crews.
- Crews must proceed single file from the FALS dock, downstream to the Start Line.
- Crews must proceed reasonably quickly off the docks, with no stopping to watch races while on the water, and no power strokes. Be mindful other boats will be behind you, heading single file towards the Start Line, so no sudden stops please.
- It is imperative coxswains and scullers follow instructions from Dock Masters or FALS Race Officials (in marked jackets).
- Suggested launching is 75-minutes before race time. If you need more time, adjust accordingly.
- Some docks may be wet, or there may be water between the dock and the shore. Competitors should wear proper footwear and plan accordingly.
- Please be careful putting in and taking out boats. The Charles River may be shallow and/or rocky near docks, and can present a hazard to skegs and rudders.
More rules (and guidance) at www.hocr.org