Race Instructions for Competitors

THIS DOCUMENT HAS CHANGED! - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Fireworks display in Glasgow Green.

Contrary to any mis-information you may have read, there are NO ISSUES with access to Glasgow Green clubhouses on the day.
However, Glasgow City Council have requested that trailers should enter and leave by the access road adjacent to GUBC and that all trailers should be gone by 16:30.

Before the Race -

• Please note that the easiest access to Glasgow Rowing Club by car is from Caledonia Road.
  It is also possible to drive from Ballater St., via Commercial Rd and Cumberland St.
  There is an annotated map on the GRC web site showing access routes (also here: http://tinyurl.com/22fblo).
• Club Race packs, including numbers, will be available from 9.00 a.m. at the GRC Boat House.
• NO DEPOSIT will be taken for race numbers - however THERE IS A CHARGE of £5 for any plastic bow number that is not returned.
  Please assist us with your honesty in this regard - most people do, but it is sad when the odd individual, who should know better, refuses.
• As well as bow numbers, there are two number cards to be affixed to the clothing of bow and cox of stern-coxed boats. Please ensure that these numbers are visible when the crew is racing, i.e. do not remove them when stripping off outer layers.
  For coxless boats or crews with cox in the bows, both numbers can be used by bow; one on racing kit and one on top layer, to be visible when marshalling.
• Higher numbered crews in each division should attempt to boat first. We recommend 10.15 AM for Race 1 and 12.45 PM for Race 2.
• Remember - any crew not on the water 45 minutes before race start time will probably not reach the time gate at Dalmarnock Road Bridge.
  At this checkpoint no crews will be allowed to pass upstream within 10 minutes of race start time.
• All crews failing to pass this point will be instructed to return to their boating point immediately.

On the way to the start

• Crews proceeding to the start must maintain a proper lookout for other crews that may legitimately be rowing downstream before the race.
• Any crew rowing downstream must be aware that there will be a large number of crews heading to the start and must exercise caution.
• HAZARDS
  Take care negotiating:
  • Bridges!
  • Wooden stakes on the South bank above Rutherglen Bridge
  • Outfall at Sewerage Works bend
  • Outfall at Railway Bridge
  • Island before Belvedere Straight
  • NOTE A new drainage outfall has been built on the North bank opposite the island.
    That bank is now composed largely of re-inforced concrete. Although the river has not been significantly narrowed as a result, it does make the bank less 'forgiving' to any crew that runs wide at this point!
  • Old bridge supports above Belvedere (DO NOT go beyond the top of the marshalling area in Belvedere straight unless instructed by a marshal.)
  • Overhanging trees.

Marshalling

• Even numbered crews should position themselves facing upstream in racing order between points A and B on the south bank with the odd numbered crews between C and D on the north bank.
• All crews should face upstream and only turn into the course when instructed by a marshal.
• Time penalties will applied as follows:
  Crews must be on their marshalling station or above the start five minutes before race start time.
  A 5 second penalty will be added for any minute or part of minute thereafter.

The Start

• The START LINE is approximately half-way up the Belvedere straight.
• A minimum 15-second gap will be applied between all crews. Those choosing to ignore the umpire's instruction risk disqualification.

The Race

• Attention is drawn to the recent communications from the Scottish Rowing Race Control Committee regarding coaching from the bank - don't get disqualified!
• Don't forget about the hazards listed above.
• In particular -
  • Crews should be aware of islands on first bend and stay in main channel.
    This bend is extremely tight.
    Non-Glasgow crews beware!

The Finish

• The FINISH LINE is approximately half-way down the boathouse straight in Glasgow Green, opposite the Nelson Monument.
• After you cross the finish line, carry on rowing to keep the finish line clear for crews behind you. Crews who have finished racing must continue downstream for at least 150M before turning. Those returning upstream must stay close to the north bank and obey all Umpires and/or Marshals instructions. Remember those crews still racing on the course have priority.
• Beware of the Weir.
  Notwithstanding the previous instruction, do not get too close to the tidal weir that is situated about 50m downstream of the Clyde/Clydesdale boathouse.
• Obey the marshals' instructions!

Returning from the Finish

• Crews should carefully follow the instructions given by marshals and Umpires, in particular when about to
  • pass the Humane Society pontoons and
• cross over above Kings Bridge.

Most importantly - enjoy your days racing!