2011 START INSTRUCTIONS

This will be on time and without reference to absentees. New entries will be started at the rear of each event. There may be a short pause between events at the discretion of the Marshals.

White & White Numbers will be Marshalled on Surrey side; Yellow Numbers on Middlesex.

Division One: Numbers’ 1 – 90, Surrey (White).
At 11:25 Marshals will sound pneumatic horns for approximately five seconds to signal tops off and ready to turn. Crews must not turn until ordered to do so by the turning Marshals. On being told to do so Division One will turn and proceed downstream in numerical order to the Starter at Chiswick Bridge who will start them by saying "Number ... Go!" Timing will begin at the University Stone and not when the Starter says "Go". All crews will have a flying start. Boats are to be closed up until there is only one length of clear water between them at the start. On no account are boats to be overlapping when crossing the start line.

Division Two: Numbers’ 91 – 170, Middx (Yellow)
On the Marshals instructions this division will tops off and ready to turn. The Marshals will give the instructions to turn.

Division Three: Numbers’ 171 – 260, Surrey (White)
Once division one has turned, this division will immediately proceed upstream to take its place (upstream of Chiswick Bridge with 171 nearest the Bridge). On the Marshals Instruction this division will tops off and ready to turn. The Marshals will give the instructions to turn.

Division Four: Numbers’ 261 – 340, Middx (Yellow)
Once division two has turned, this division will immediately proceed upstream to take its place (upstream of Chiswick Bridge with 261 nearest the Bridge). On the Marshals Instructions this division will tops off and ready to turn. The Marshals will give the instructions to turn.

Division Five: Numbers’ 341 – 430, Surrey (White)
Once division three have moved up (upstream of Chiswick Bridge), this division will immediately proceed upstream to take its place. And once division three have turned then this division will move into its place above Chiswick Bridge with 341 nearest the bridge. On the Marshals Instructions this division will tops off and ready to turn. The Marshals will give the instructions to turn.

Division Six: Numbers’ 431 – 520, Middx (Yellow)
Once division four has moved up (upstream of Chiswick Bridge), this division will immediately proceed upstream to take its place. And once division four have turned then this division will move into its place above Chiswick Bridge with 520 nearest the bridge. On the Marshals Instructions this division will tops off and ready to turn. The Marshals will give the instructions to turn.

DURING THE RACE

Coxswains and Steers should maintain that which they consider to be their best course but MUST NOT obstruct or impede a faster crew that is overtaking. Failure to observe this rule will lead to disqualification or a time penalty. ALL crews have a responsibility to avoid collision and may be penalised if judged to have contributed to the causes of a collision.

Umpires and Observers will be posted along the course.

To ensure a finish time is recorded and to avoid disqualification all crews must pass between the Middlesex side of the moored boats at Putney and the finish boat. Racing crews must pass through the centre arches of Chiswick and Putney Bridges and the other Bridges on the course. As you approach the finish please be aware of the line of buoys separating you from returning crews. (See finish map)

AFTER CROSSING THE FINISH LINE ALL CREWS MUST PROCEED THROUGH PUTNEY BRIDGE AND FULHAM RAIL BRIDGE BEFORE TURNING ON TO SURREY. THIS IS A MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY REQUIREMENT AND FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION.