Marshalling Instructions

Marshalling Instructions

We would like to draw your attention to point 7.1e:  If a crew member is not dressed properly for the weather, the whole boat won’t be allowed to race.  Specifically, this means at least covered legs and arms and a waterproof. You are allowed to take off layers before the race starts.

We recommend: Leggings, waterproof trousers, base layer, warm/fleece layer, waterproof jacket

1. General Information
1.1 The Regatta will be held on the date indicated on the Regatta website.
1.2 The Draw and Racing Timetable will be posted on the Pembroke College Boat Club website by the Monday a week prior. Crews should familiarise themselves with all potential marshalling and race times.
1.3 Any crews intending to scratch should inform the Regatta Secretary as soon as possible
1.4 Crew numbers will be available for collection from Pembroke Boathouse from 6:30am until 10:00am on the day of the Regatta
1.5 Results will be posted on the Regatta website during the day of the Regatta
1.6 This year unfortunately there will not be a prize-giving ceremony at Pembroke Boathouse. Instead arrangements will be made with the winning crews to collect their tankards at a suitable time.
2. Updates and Contact Details
2.1 Any changes to the running of the Regatta made before the day of the Regatta (e.g. due to a poor weather forecast) will be communicated to crews via email and also posted on the Regatta website.
2.2 On the day of the Regatta regular updates, which will include any adjustments to marshalling times, will be posted on the pemregatta Twitter feed (available on the Regatta website). All crews must check this and, if necessary, adjust their boating time – failure to do so may lead to increased congestion on the river.
2.3 A contact telephone number for the Senior Umpire will be sent to competing clubs by email.
3. Marshalling
3.1 Crew numbers must be clearly displayed by the cox and bow-person at ALL times when marshalling and racing. Three copies of the crew number will be provided to each crew.
3.2 Crews should row as normal to Chesterton Footbridge (Green Dragon Footbridge). Crews must be prepared to easy as they approach the bridge, and seek instruction from the marshals.
3.3 If the course is not clear, crews will be asked to hold at Chesterton. If the course is clear, crews will be normally instructed to continue downstream to the Start. When continuing downstream, crews should obey normal navigation rules and should be aware that other vessels may be travelling upstream.
3.4 Sometimes crews will be instructed to marshal at the Railway Bridge. Crews marshalled here should be aware of the racing crews as they pass, and if necessary should bury their blades below the water to avoid those of the racing crews. Once the last of the races has passed the Railway Bridge, crews should push off and row to Ditton, obeying normal navigation rules.
3.5 A single practise start is permitted at the Railway Bridge. If required, this may be disallowed by Marshals in order to improve the running of the event.
3.6 On arriving at Ditton crews should spin and pull in on the towpath side, under Marshals’ instructions. Where possible, crews will be in reverse racing order as they row downstream, such that the last pair of crews may be asked to spin and row straight up to the start.
4. Racing
4.1 When instructed, crews should row up to the start line, so as to have their bow in line with the first Stump at the end of the Long Reach. On arriving at the start, coxes should raise their hand (the hand closest to the Umpire) and bring their crew forward to race. As soon as the cox is satisfied that they are straight and their crew is ready they should lower their hand. Crew members must be alert to any commands given by their cox or by the Start Umpire, who needs to ensure crews are straight and level before starting the race.
4.2 The Start Umpire will start the race under the command “Attention, GO!” If the Start Umpire deems both crews to be straight and ready to race, they may elect to start the race regardless of whether a cox’s hand is raised.
4.3

Crews must maintain station throughout the race, regardless of the position of the other crew. If a crew crosses the centre-line of the river, the race umpire will use whistle signals to warn that crew back onto their station:

  1. 1 whistle – First offence
  2. 2 whistles – Second offence
  3. 3 whistles – Third offence, crew will be considered for disqualification
4.4 The emergency stop signal will be a sustained blast on a whistle, siren or air horn. Upon hearing this signal all crews must stop.
4.5 At the finish, a short blast on a whistle will be given to signify that the crew has completed the race. Crews must continue rowing at light pressure until well clear of the finish line as other racing crews will be following.
5. After Racing
5.1 Losing crews should continue to row until above Chesterton Footbridge. They should then return to their boathouse obeying normal navigation rules.
5.2 Winning crews should spin under marshals’ instructions.
6. Bank Parties
6.1 Bank parties are restricted to 4 persons on bicycles. Bank parties may not overtake the Race Umpire, who will normally cycle with the leading crew
7. Safety
7.1

Attention is drawn to the following Safety Regulations:

  1. All coxes must wear a serviceable lifejacket when on the river, and must be able to demonstrate how to inflate it
  2. All boats must be correctly fitted with a bow-ball
  3. All boats must be fitted with heel restraints which comply with BR regulations. Concept II type footplates must be modified in accordance with BR guidelines.
  4. All boats must have covers correctly fitted to all hatches, and canvasses must be watertight

  5. All crew member must be dressed appropriately for the weather, this may include a waterproof

Crews which do not comply with these regulations will not be permitted to race.
7.2 First Aid will be provided as required by a crew stationed by Peter’s Posts.
7.3 All crews should dress appropriately for the weather conditions on the day. Information will be posted on the Regatta website and emailed to captains in the days leading up to the Regatta. Bank parties are kindly requested to help ensure their crews are properly equipped.