Copy of Instructions to Competitors – 2008

1.          These instructions will be e-mailed to the primary contact for each club with the provisional draw and time-table of racing, as well as the Safety Instructions and Parking Passes. There is a unique Parking Pass for each vehicle, which must be clearly displayed. Those without a pass will be charged the daily parking fee of £10. Please read the separate instructions on car park passes.

2.          Every sculler and a representative of every crew must report to Check-in at the Regatta NO LATER THAN ONE HOUR before the time of the FIRST RACE to be held IN THE EVENT for which they have entered.  It should be necessary to report only once and not for every race.

             PLEASE ENSURE THAT ALL COMPETITORS BRING THEIR ARA RACING LICENCE TO THE REGATTA

             Any withdrawals should be notified as soon as possible. Failure to report by the time required will result in exclusion from the draw.  Empacher-type bow numbers should be collected from Check-in 45 minutes before race time.  Any substitutions must be notified before a crew’s first race. Any substitutes introduced must be able to provide their ARA Racing Licence.

3.          Weighing:  Coxswains should report for weighing-in not less that one hour before their first race.  Coxswains should provide their own deadweight.  Cox-boxes do not count as deadweight.

Lightweights must weight-in not more than two hours and not less than one hour before the first race in each of their events, on each day.

4.       Crews may NOT practice on the course before or during racing, and may NOT boat on the River Thames from Dorney’s grounds.

             Crews wishing to train on the Lake on Friday must book in with, and pay, Dorney Lake Services Ltd: 01753 857309.

5.          Crews must proceed to the start using the warm-up lake.  The racing lanes are numbered 1 to 7 from the spectator side of the course.  Crews warming-down MUST NOT cross the finish line whilst a race is finishing.  At 1,000m, only crews returning to the boat house will be allowed to enter the main racing lake.  Crews must be attached two minutes before race time.  Races will be started without reference to absentees.

             Crews failing to follow the CLOCKWISE circulation pattern (see plan) may be disqualified.

6.          The Regatta adheres to the ARA Water Safety Code, and competitors are reminded of their obligations under the code.  Coxswains must provide and wear a suitable buoyancy aid or lifejacket when afloat.  Rule 2-3-8a will be strictly enforced: stretchers and shoes must be of such construction that an oarsman can get his feet clear immediately, without using his hands to do so, if he capsizes.

             If a competitor falls out of a boat for any reason, the crew must stop and render assistance.  Rule 2-6-1b shall be amended accordingly and a crew will not be placed without its full complement.

7.          Umpiring will be from launches and a red flag will be used to start races.

8.          Insurance – Please note that insurance through ARA membership requires that a member is resident in this country for more than 6 months a year.  Overseas crews should make sure they have third party insurance cover.

9.          Security guards will be on duty on the Saturday night but the Regatta Committee can take no responsibility for equipment left overnight.  Crews should ensure that their boats are tied down to racks or trestles.  All equipment must be removed from the site at the end of racing on Sunday night.

10.        SAFETY:  Rescue boats will be present to give assistance where necessary and First Aid facilities will be available near the boating rafts.  Cars and motorbikes etc MUST NOT drive along on either side of the course following crews or races. Cyclists must note the “No Cycling” areas on the circulation plan, and the one-way system. No more than 2 cycles may follow each crew in a race. Ignoring this may lead to disqualification of your crew. Cyclists must take care at all times.

11.        Prize-giving: Prizes will be presented 20 minutes after each final.  Crews should take their boats from the water and then report to Check-in with their ARA Racing Licences.  A complimentary photograph will be taken of the presentation – so please ensure your crew is uniformly dressed in their kit.

Finally, we would like to thank you for coming to the Met and trust you will enjoy the Regatta.  If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact the Hon Secretary, c/o London Rowing Club.

During the week before, and on the Regatta weekend itself, the Entries Secretary can be contacted on 07960 739057. The Secretary can be contacted on 07796 430153.