PLEASE OBEY THEIR INSTRUCTIONS AT ALL TIMES.
n.b. This does not negate your responsibility for the safe navigation of your craft.

With up to 550 Crews on the river, an atmosphere of mutual tolerance is most conducive to the safe running of the race. Crude abuse to other crews or officials is unlikely to solve any problems and may lead to further problems. Remember also that you are on public show and such behaviour gives the sport a poor image.

If you are unsure of your best course at any point, it is as well to remember you will lose only a small amount of time if you are in the middle of the river but not quite in the stream. You will lose large amounts of time if you get in the slack water at the side.

Remember you are on a TIDEWAY. When easied your boat is not stationary. It could be moving at 3-4mph astern or ahead. If you are turning do so promptly. You must not turn above (up stream of) an obstruction, (Bridge, moored Boat, Eyot, Buoy etc.) unless you can complete the manoeuvre before being swept onto the obstruction by the stream. Remember that the stream direction on the Tideway changes depending on whether the tide is going in or out.

When easied remember that if you are not parallel with the bank you are likely to be swept about by the stream. As the tide falls the river becomes much shallower and shoals appear particularly towards the sides.

When a Division is ordered to turn, spin or chop turning is normally an inappropriate technique. The side nearest the Bank should paddle continuously until the bows of the boat are in the centre of the River. The other side should then back it down for a few strokes to prevent the boat crossing to the other bank.

The first side should then paddle on again. This process should continue until the boat is fully turned. This technique is normal good practice on a Tideway as it uses the stream to assist turning. It is particularly helpful when turning to go to the start, as it not only turns the boat but also brings it to the centre of the river where it needs to be.

COMPLAINTS
Any complaints about the behaviour of other crews during the course of the race must be made to the Umpire at Chiswick Pier House, within one hour, of the last crew crossing the finish line. If you turn down Edensor Road off the A316 and go straight on until you reach the River you will find Chiswick Pier.

APPEALS
Crews have until 6pm on Tuesday 8th November 2011 to make any appeals over penalties or the published result order. Appeals should be addressed to the Chief Umpire, and copied to the Hon Secretary and Entries Secretary - contact can be made via the committee page on the event website.