Launching Instructions

• First call for launching will be 40 minutes before race time. Any crew approaching the launch docks prior to this time will be asked to step aside and let crews racing before them launch. Second call will be 35 minutes before race time.

• The launch dock will be the dock to the far right (when on shore looking at the water) furthest from the bridge.

• All boats MUST approach the launch dock STERN first. Once the boat safety check has been done, you will be instructed to move forward.

• You will then ABOUT FACE and be ready to walk down to the beach BOW first when instructed to do so by the Dock Master.

• Please walk slowly and watch your step.

• All crews should plan on having 1-2 oar handlers to assist getting oars on the dock and picking up shoes. 

• No more that 2 additional coaches (plus the oar handlers) on the dock with a crew. 

• Try to keep dock time to under 1 minute so that we can keep the line moving. 

• There will be a marshal on the water to assist crews in crossing the course. DO NOT cross the course until instructed to do so!​

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Warm Up Instructions

• Cross the course to the warm up lane ONLY when the marshall instructs you to do so. When you do please proceed quickly across the course. (Crews launching from the WM/WBC docks will be instructed by a marshall to cross the course at the Gordon's Creek entrance)​

• Be mindful that the course is NOT closed off to other marine traffic. Pass the ORANGE buoy, marking the far side of the course, by about a boat length and then turn to starboard to head to the start. There is no need to row all the way across the river. 

• There are ORANGE buoys lining the course. These buoys are ALWAYS ON YOUR STARBOARD SIDE. You never cross the ORANGE buoy line! Any crew that does, during warm up or racing, will be accessed a 30 second penalty. 

• ​All crews MUST check in with the Race Marshall located about 2/3 up the course. 

• After checking in, proceed to the Start Area Marshall. As you do so you will pass an old duck blind on your starboard side. 

• Depending on time you will either start lining up in number order for your event OR proceed into the CLOCKWISE warm up pattern. 

• Once lined up for your event, list for the Starting Chute Official to tell you to enter the CHUTE. 

• After entering the CHUTE start to build pressure. You will be on the course as you pass the last buoys of the chute and the Starting Official. 

• DO NOT wait to be told that you are on the course. Your time will start when you pass the Starting Official whether you hear anything or not!

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Course Notes

• Again, there are ORANGE buoys lining the course. These buoys are ALWAYS ON YOUR STARBOARD SIDE. You never cross the ORANGE buoy line! Any crew that does, during warm up or racing, will be accessed a 30 second penalty. 

• There will be  YELLOW  buoys marking the start and the PORT side as you race.  YELLOW buoys on port are marking areas to avoid. DO NOT go inside them. You will be assessed a 30 second penalty as well as run the risk of boat damage. 

• There will be a very large RED buoy marking the inside of the large turn early in the race (about 600m from the start). When racing, this buoy MUST be on your STARBOARD side. Any crew failing to pass this buoy on their starboard side will be disqualified. 

• ​As you approach the second turn, this time to port, be careful NOT to get too close to shore. There are some shallow spots. At the same time, DO NOT take the turn too wide and keep all ORANGE buoys to your starboard.

• ​Coming off this second turn, pick up the trees in the water (they are upright trees surrounded by water) about 600m away. Keep these trees to PORT at all times. 

• As you pass the trees pick up the Bridge and Finish Line area, mostly a straight line about 1500m away. 

• Do NOT stop racing until you have fully passed the finish line buoys! 

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Recovering Instructions

• ​Once you have crossed the finish line continue to paddle and make room for the crews racing behind you - DO NOT STOP on the finish line!

• All crews should spin towards the PORT shore (the shore where you launched from). DO NOT ROW UNDER THE BRIDGE! (*note that William and Mary crew will row under the bridge...DO NOT FOLLOW THEM)

• The Recovery Dock will be the first dock. There will be a marshal there to assist.

• VERY IMPORTANT: Please take note of the direction of the current/wind when docking! Depending on which side of the dock you are aiming for, the current/wind will be either pushing you into the dock or pushing you away from the dock. TAKE THIS INTO ACCOUNT WHEN TURNING TO LINE UP FOR YOUR APPROACH! 

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