HOW TO COX THE HEAD OF THE CHARLES

Transcription

1 HOW TO COX THE HEAD OF THE CHARLES Officially sanctioned by: 18TH ANNUAL Sponsored by: Oct. 18 & 19, 2019

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3 Contents A Quick Review of Steering Technique for Head Racing Steering Directions for the Head Of The Charles Dangerous Spots in Detail Devising a Passing Plan How to Avoid Penalties and Collisions Rules of Racing Head Racing Strategy Gauging Your Success Special Thanks Present Yaz Farooq. All rights reserved. NK Ad Goes here-1/2

4 A Quick Review of Steering Technique for Head Racing Good steering really requires finesse, especially in races where you have to physically hang corners and maneuver around other boats. Your goal should be for your steering to have as little effect on the balance of the boat as possible. You can achieve this by steering subtly on straight stretches, and by communicating clearly with your team on major turns. Holding the Tiller Ropes Set your palms on the gunwales of the boat, and grasp the tiller knobs using your thumb and first two fingers. The gunwale should be in between your third and fourth fingers. This allows you to use your fourth and pinky fingers to press against the gunwales, and enables you to hold yourself in the boat effectively. (Depending on the boat, you may have the gunwale between your second and third fingers). You can simultaneously steer with your fingers, and push against the gunwales with your arms to hold your body against the back of the seat and better brace yourself at race pace. Also, steering with your fingers, instead of your hands ensures that your steering is smooth and subtle, which in turn helps keep the boat balanced. You should make sure that the actual motion of steering involves pushing the tiller knobs, and not pulling them. To go to starboard, gently push the right tiller knob forward. To go port, gently push the left tiller knob forward. Steering where you pull on the opposite knobs often results in delayed boat response (especially if there is slack in the tiller rope), and is much more jerky. It almost always upsets the balance of the boat. Steering Techniques The most important thing to remember about steering is that if you are in a situation where you need to steer immediately, do it! If your steering will affect the balance of the boat, communicate this to your crew. That said, the following techniques will outline optimal ways of steering for different scenarios. If you pay attention to feeling how your steering affects the boat you can master each of these techniques effectively. For this weekend s regatta, it would be best if you steer with the technique that you typically use. There s no need to surprise your team with anything new (especially a change in how you steer) at a regatta as challenging as the Head. But hopefully these guidelines will help you with your long-term technique Present Yasmin Farooq. All rights reserved. Steering Technique for Head Racing

5 Technique #1: Steering on the recovery Whenever possible, you want to gently nudge the tiller ON THE RECOVERY. The boat responds more quickly on the recovery than if you steer during the drive, and you don t work against the propulsion of the blades in the water. The key here is SUBTLE. It takes much less of an effort to get the boat to change direction. The right time to use this kind of steering is if you need to adjust your point slightly and you can do it on the recovery of one stroke. This technique is most effective when you re at rate 30 or above and trying to go in a straight line. If you have a major adjustment to make, do not steer on the recovery, as it will throw off the balance of the boat. Steering on the recovery can work at lower stroke rates if the point adjustment is minimal. Technique #2: Steering over several strokes On gradual corners, it will be least upsetting to the boat to slowly and smoothly initiate the turn on the DRIVE, all the while communicating this to your team. A comment: I m gently easing the boat to port, or I m straightening out lets the crew know they may need to adjust their handle heights somewhat. Do not Pulse steer where you steer only when the blades are in the water. This only makes the boat rock. The motion should be smooth and steady, and may take place during both drive and recovery. The key is for the motion to be smooth, not on and off. In a stiff quartering or cross headwind, you may need to move the tiller and hold it in place over several strokes to keep your point. Moving the tiller on the drive will probably upset the boat the least in this case. The key here is to not be moving the tiller back and forth every stroke. Hold it in position until the desired point is achieved, then ease back again beginning the motion when the blades are in the water. When you do this, let your team know, so that they can accommodate with a handle-height adjustment. Similarly, in a crosswind, a comment like, I ve got the tiller set slightly to port to keep us going straight in this crosswind keeps your team in tune with why the boat feels the way it does. Technique #3: Full tiller with possible assistance from your team In head racing you often have to navigate some serious curves. For starters, your coach should review the course with the team and prepare everyone for strategizing for these turns. You will have to steer smoothly over several strokes, and may even need to set the tiller full port or full starboard. As you approach a major corner, let your team know it s coming up. Tell them when you begin to steer: I m starting the Weeks Bridge corner to port I m at full tiller, Tell them if you plan to use their power: Starboards get ready to hit it NOW ). If you need your other side to row with less pressure to make the turn, let them know. As the turn is completed, tell the team when to return to even pressure and that you are straightening the boat out Present Yasmin Farooq. All rights reserved. Steering Technique for Head Racing 5

6 Steering a Bowloader With bowloaders, and today s typical steering technology, the steering lever needs to be moved quite a bit to get a response from the tiller. That, combined with the fact that you re probably in a four, a less stable boat than an 8+, means that you most likely have to steer using Technique #2, on the DRIVE. You may have to hold the tiller in place until the change of direction is achieved, and then steer carefully back to center, again initiating on the drive. A sternloaded four can be steered as 8+ s. Again, when in a situation where you suddenly need to respond immediately, the bottom line is to steer however you have to - as soon as possible. Let your team know if you have time. Bowloader Steering Set-up Coaches: Please set-up the steering so that when the lever is moved towards starboard, the boat actually turns to starboard (same set-up as an eight). This is safer for everybody on the water. Imagine if someone changed your launch steering wheel so that your boat went to the right every time you turned to the left. Quick note: If your cox has been practicing with your current boat set up differently, don t make this change until after the regatta so that you have time to re-train. If you are borrowing a boat that is set-up one way and your cox is used to steering with it the other way, ask if you can switch the ropes for your race for the sake of safety. The Charles is one of the toughest courses in the world. You don t want to endanger other crews by having your coxswain steer the opposite of what is familiar Present Yasmin Farooq. All rights reserved. Steering Technique for Head Racing

7 Steering Directions for the Head of the Charles Three Miles, Seven Bridges, and a Serpentine Course By Yasmin Farooq, with classic highlights from former U.S. Team Coxswain Geoffrey Knauth Start The starting chute will set you up perfectly to enter the correct arch of the BU Bridge (2 nd arch from the Cambridge shore). Keep at least two lengths between yourself and the boat in front of you as you enter the starting chute at the BU Boathouse. You do not want to catch anyone going into the BU Bridge because there isn t enough room to execute a pass before or through the bridge. The arch next to the Cambridge shore is Out of Bounds and will incur a 60- second penalty for your crew if you take it. As Geoffrey Knauth notes in his steering plan for this course, Get a good start, but make sure you settle into a strong and sustainable rhythm as you go through the B.U. Bridge. Crews that extend the frenetic pace of the start past the B.U. Bridge often fizzle early. As soon as you come out of the BU Bridge you ll begin a gradual corner to starboard around Magazine Beach. You can hug the green buoys off starboard here, but keep your eyes peeled for small boats launching from Magazine Beach and drifting buoys that may have become dislodged. Missing a buoy is a 10-second penalty. As you come around the last part of the turn--just before Riverside Boathouse--ease out to port to line up for a straight shot through the center arches of the bridges in the Powerhouse Stretch. Note that this stretch can be windy. If there s heavy traffic bound for the center arch of River Street, the right-hand (Cambridge shore) arch is just as quick. The yellow triangular 1-mile down buoy, is midway between River Street and Western Avenue on the Cambridge shore. It s a straight shot down the Powerhouse stretch through two bridges, so point on the center of the arch you have chosen. If you took the right hand (Cambridge) arch for River Street, stay in the right hand arch for Western Avenue. (The MIT coaches measured this stretch, and it is exactly the same distance to Weeks Bridge as the course through the center arches. If MIT measured it, I believe them enough said. Plus, the right hand arch actually makes for a milder approach heading into the upcoming Weeks Bridge). As you exit Western Avenue, let your team know where you are relative to other crews for the upcoming Weeks Bridge turn. If you strategize well here, you can set yourself up for a clean approach through the sharpest turn on the course, the Legendary Weeks. Weeks Bridge Approach Once you emerge from the Western Avenue Bridge, you want to point on the Blue Dome/Tower, which is directly above where the Weeks Bridge meets the Cambridge shore. However, the apex of the orange buoy line typically extends out to starboard of this point, so first, you ll need to point on the outermost edge of that buoy line, so that you don t illegally cross it. When you get to that edge, you can then adjust your point to where the Weeks Bridge meets the Cambridge shore (directly below the Blue Dome, which disappears as you get closer). You ll see a large bright & light Steering the Head of the Charles Present Yasmin Farooq & Geoffrey Knauth. All rights reserved.

8 8 green tree on the very edge of the Cambridge shore not the drooping tree it s after that. It s tall and upright and a much lighter color than the trees around it. It stands out. That is the best marker to begin the Weeks Bridge turn. When you re 10 strokes from that tree, ease to port until you re pointed on the abutment on the starboard side of the center arch (there s a big concrete oval on it). As you approach the tree tell your crew you re about to begin the turn. When you come level with this tree, start the turn to port. If your tiller is designed for sprint racing, and doesn t turn very well, start a few strokes sooner. I recommend using pressure from your starboard rowers as it is indeed a 90-degree turn. Call them in as needed (more so in an eight than a four) so that you cut the corner for the most part before the actual bridge. You want to emerge from the Weeks Bridge pointed on the center arch of Anderson. If you take the corner perfectly, your port blades will be very near the port abutment of the center arch as you exit the Weeks, and you ll actually be just off the orange buoy line on your port side. A quick note here: the goal is to EXIT next to the port abutment, NOT enter next to the port abutment. This is true even for single scullers. If you use the correct points, you ll enter the center of the arch and exit near the port abutment. Hugging the inside of the turn as you approach the bridge is inviting Weeks Revenge you ll lose serious time and may cause a collision for another crew that has taken the turn correctly. Worse case scenario, you may crash into the Cambridge shore upon exit. If you enter the Weeks next to the port abutment you will be forced to do the entire 90-degree turn AFTER the bridge, and will take a major detour before being able to head on the upcoming Anderson Bridge. Now, if you took the Cambridge shore arches through the Powerhouse stretch leading up to Weeks, your turn should still begin near the Turning Tree, although your actual turn through the Weeks won t be as sharp. Your goal is still to emerge from Weeks Bridge pointed on the center arch of Anderson Bridge. Finally, the right hand arch of the Weeks is an option, but it is an absolute last resort, as it takes you seriously off course and puts you right up against the rocks of the Cambridge riverbank.. When you re midway between the Weeks Bridge and Anderson Bridge you re at the Halfway Mark of the race. Just before your next bridge, you ll pass Reunion Village on the Boston Shore. A note from Geoffrey to use some external motivation if need be: Listen for the announcer to say something about you. It might give you a boost if they say something nice, so row your best. Your next turn is a medium one back to starboard through the Anderson Bridge. You must take the center arch. The righthand (Cambridge shore) arch is Out of Bounds and will earn you a 60-second penalty if you take it. Start the turn a few strokes before the Anderson Bridge. I like to use my ports to bring it around quickly. Your point as you come out of the bridge should be the orange buoys marking the outer edge of The Big Turn. Depending on the light, they may be tough to see. If so, point just to the right edge of the tall white apartment building above it until the buoys come into view). Steering the Head of the Charles 2002-Present Yasmin Farooq & Geoffrey Knauth. All rights reserved.

9 An excellent point from Geoffrey: After Anderson, the classic mistake is to get sucked in to port too close to Harvard s Newell Boathouse, not realizing that Newell is in a little bay of its own, and the red buoys follow a concave shore line, only to come out to the true course again after 500m or so. So, stay away from those red port buoys after Anderson. You can visit Newell Boathouse at some other point; not during your race. Between Anderson Bridge and the Big Turn you ll see the yellow cone off to starboard marking Two Miles down. This is Monastery Bay, because the marker is typically right by the doors of the Monastery of St. Mary and St John on the Cambridge shore. From former HOCR Assistant Director Chris Kerber: I m sure there is plenty of praying on and off the water there. One mile to go! As you close in on the peak of the Big Turn, you can put your port blades over the orange buoy line for the tightest turn. Be wary of boats on the other side of the buoy line that are warming up or cooling down. At the end of the Big Turn, there is a brief, but deceptively sharp turn to port just before the Eliot Bridge. As you enter Dead Man s Curve be prepared to use some starboard pressure for a few strokes to help you accomplish this just before you enter the actual bridge. There will be more stroke-by-stroke commentary from the shore as you approach Eliot. From Geoffrey: Going by Cambridge Boat Club to starboard, listen again for an announcer to mention you by name. With half a mile to go, you want all the moral support you can get. As you enter Eliot Bridge, your next turn is to starboard, and you want to go through the bridge at a diagonal emerging next to the Belmont Hill boathouse on the Cambridge riverbank on the right. You ll see a few green buoys there protecting the launch area. If you aim to have your starboard oars near or over the last green buoy, you ll cut a beautiful approach into a nice tight corner to starboard for the last turn of the race. As you round the turn to starboard after Belmont Hill, keep hugging the wooded Cambridge shore. Another good point from Geoffrey, Don't get caught on the outside of that last turn, or it will cost you 15 to 30 seconds, and probably half a dozen positions in the finishing order. Your blades can be as close as five feet off of the bank and you ll be fine. The two yellow triangle buoys of the finish line will emerge once you round that final bend. Aim between the buoys and finish strong. I ve used the wooden walking bridge on the Boston shore as a gauge for the last 20, but know that if you race in the afternoon and it s sunny, there can be quite a bit of glare there, making that boardwalk tough to see. Once you cross the line, make sure to keep paddling until you clear the actual finish line area. Traffic is prone to stack up here and stopped boats can impede crews in the final strokes of the sprint. Getting a penalty after the finish line if you steered a fantastic course would be a bummer. Paddle down. Your rowers will feel better for it later anyway! GOOD LUCK! Steering the Head of the Charles 2002-Present Yasmin Farooq & Geoffrey Knauth. All rights reserved. 9

10 Dangerous Spots in Detail and Tactics for Handling Them abutment you will be forced to do the entire 90-degree turn AFTER the bridge, and will take a major detour before being able to head on the upcoming Anderson Bridge. BU If you Bridge: took the Make Cambridge sure shore to have arches a through two-length the Powerhouse gap between stretch yourself leading and up to the Weeks, boat your in front turn should of you still as begin you near enter the Turning the starting Tree, chute. although You your absolutely actual turn do through NOT the want Weeks to won t catch be a as crew sharp. before Your goal the BU is still to Bridge emerge from because Weeks there s Bridge not pointed enough on the room center to arch pass of Anderson them before Bridge. or Last through thought, the the narrow right hand arch. arch of the Weeks is an option, but it is an absolute last resort, as it takes you seriously off course and puts you right up against the rocks of the Cambridge riverbank. Magazine Beach: Small boats still launch from here, so keep an eye out on starboard, especially if you are the first boat in your event, or if there is a large gap between your boat and the When you re midway between the Weeks Bridge and Anderson Bridge you re at the Halfway Mark of the race. one in front of you. Just before your next bridge, you ll pass Reunion Village on the Boston Shore. A note from Geoffrey to use some River external Street motivation & Western if need be: Avenue Listen for Bridges: the announcer The to Powerhouse say something stretch about you. is a It good might place give you for a passing, boost if but they know say something that you nice, can so only row your fit two best. boats safely through the center arches. Even with two boats going through prepare for blades hitting one another, which can force boats off course and into Your next turn is a medium one back to starboard through the Anderson Bridge. You must take the center arch. the The abutments. right-hand (Cambridge Try to avoid shore) a arch three-boat is Out of situation Bounds and if at will all earn possible. you a 60-second If there penalty is congestion if you take in it. the center Start the arch, turn a use few the strokes right-hand before the arches Anderson of Bridge. River Street I like to & use Western my ports Avenue. to bring it around It is exactly quickly. the Your same distance point as you to come the Weeks out of the Bridge, bridge should and the be approach the orange buoys to the marking center the arch outer of edge the Weeks of The Big is actually Turn. Depending gentler on the light, if you re they may coming be tough out to see. of the If so, right point hand on the arch right of edge Western of the tall Avenue white apartment building above a little it (this building will become more apparent as you near the turn). Weeks An excellent Bridge: point from Being Geoffrey: forced After to the Anderson, outside of the this classic 90-degree mistake is corner to get sucked to port in to is port a worst too close caseto Harvard s Newell Avoid Boathouse, three-boats not realizing going that through Newell is the in arch a little at bay all of costs. its own, The and outside the red buoys boat followa will be concave forced scenario. off shore course line, only to starboard. to come out to Many the true crews course in again this after situation 500m or are so. unable So, stay to away recover from those and head red port straight buoys after Anderson. rocky Cambridge You can visit riverfront. Newell Boathouse If decreasing at some other power point; for not 5 strokes during your enables race. you to avoid a into the collision and get a better line through the bridge, you ll ultimately save yourself from losing several Between boatlengths. Anderson Bridge and the Big Turn you ll see the yellow cone off to starboard marking Two Miles down. Anderson Bridge: The consequences may not as brutal as Weeks, but three boats through this As you close in on the peak of the Big Turn, you can put your port blades over the orange buoy line for the tightest arch can be ugly. The corner is to starboard, but then you ll be preparing to turn to port. If you turn. Be wary of boats on the other side of the buoy line that are warming up or cooling down. At the end of the pass Big Turn, a crew there on is a the brief, inside but deceptively (starboard sharp side) turn before to port or just through before the this Eliot bridge, Bridge. make You sure may want you ve to use got enough some starboard speed pressure to get ahead for a few before strokes the to help Big you Turn accomplish to port. this Depending just before on you how enter you the actual catch bridge. someone here, your best bet may be to tail them through the actual corner, then shoot by them on their port There side will be after more the stroke-by-stroke bridge. Warning, shore don t side commentary get sucked as too you far approach to port Eliot. here From by following Geoffrey: Going the Boston by shoreline. Cambridge Boat Make Club a beeline to starboard, for the listen outermost again for an orange announcer buoys to mention of the Big you by Turn name. ahead. With half a mile to go, you want all the moral support you can get. Big As you Turn: enter Eliot Getting Bridge, forced your next to the turn outside is to starboard, of this and corner you want is a long, to go through painful the and bridge mentally at a diagonal disturbing situation. emerging next If to you the believe Belmont you re Hill boathouse slowly on closing the Cambridge on a crew riverbank coming on the out right. of the You ll Anderson see a few Bridge, green try buoys to there get ahead protecting of them launch before area. the If you Big aim Turn. to have You your do starboard have the oars option near or to over pass the them last green on the buoy, inside if you ll you cut catch a beautiful them, approach but if the into crew a nice you re tight corner passing to starboard doesn t for give the last you turn enough of the room, race. you can clip a buoy. As you The round turn the is turn very to blind starboard just before after Belmont the Eliot Hill, Bridge, keep and hugging crews that the wooded are warming Cambridge up and cooling shore. Another down can good drift point into from your Geoffrey, path, or at Don't least hit get your caught blades on if the you re outside too of close that to last the turn, buoy line. or it will cost you 15 to 30 seconds, and probably half a dozen positions in the finishing order. Eliot Your blades Bridge: can be This as close is a as very five nasty feet off spot. of the The bank sharp and you ll turn be to fine. port The before two yellow the bridge triangle emerges buoys of the suddenly. finish line will The emerge situation once you is complicated round that final by bend. crews Aim launching between the from buoys Cambridge and finish strong. Boat I ve Club used on the the near wooden side walking of the bridge bridge, on the and Boston crews shore launching as a gauge from for the Winsor last 20, & but Belmont know that on if you the race other in the side afternoon of the bridge. and it s sunny, Try to there get can out be of quite any a entanglements bit of glare there, from making the that Big boardwalk Turn before tough to this see. corner. Most of the worst crashes of the race occur here! Once you cross the line, make sure to keep paddling at least 20 strokes, and clear the actual finish line area. Traffic 10 Coxing is prone to t h stack e Perfect up here Head and stopped Race boats can impede crews in the final strokes Dangerous of the sprint. Getting Spots a in penalty Detail the finish line if you steered a fantastic course would 2002-Present be a bummer. Yasmin Paddle Farooq down. & Your Geoffrey rowers Knauth. will feel All better rights for reserved. it

11 Devising a Passing Plan Start out by breaking down the racecourse into segments. Here s how I break down the Head of the Charles : 1. Start chute through BU Bridge 2. Magazine Beach to Riverside Boathouse 3. Powerhouse Stretch through Western Avenue Bridge 4. Western Avenue set-up for Weeks Bridge 5. Weeks exit to Anderson Bridge 6. Anderson Bridge exit to top of the Big Turn 7. Around the Big Turn 8. Exit of Big Turn through Eliot Bridge 9. Around final turn to Finish Line For every section of the racecourse ask yourself, What is the shortest distance between these two points if I had no traffic on the course? Then, devise how to set yourself up for that fastest path. A huge part of passing is selecting the smartest line, and then determining where you should jockey for position to be able to maintain that line. Here are the same segments, but now with the strategy I implement to maintain my best line 2002-Present Yasmin Farooq. All rights reserved. Devising a Passing Plan 11

12 HOCR Passing Plan: General Strategy 1. Start chute through BU Bridge Make sure a two-length margin between boats. No passing before bridge. Next turn is to Starboard. 2. Magazine Beach to Riverside Boathouse Stay to starboard to keep inside around turn, then straight shot. Select center or starboard arch depending on traffic. 3. Powerhouse Stretch through Western Avenue Bridge Jockey for position through bridges. You ve got about 1000m to figure out who you can get ahead of for Weeks or, if someone behind is gaining quickly that you may have to contend with. 4. Western Avenue set-up for Weeks Bridge Deal with the traffic as you need to, to stay true to the points. A correct turn here can make or break the outcome of this race. If you are ½ a length ahead or more of another crew, make sure you get open water before the Weeks so you can maintain your points. If you are level, or behind and being moved on, consider going to ½ pressure for a few strokes so that you can maintain the prescribed points. 5. Weeks exit to Anderson Bridge If you are passing someone make sure you clear them before Anderson so you can have the inside of the upcoming turn to starboard. If you are duking it out with someone and get stuck on the outside (port), it s OK if you can get ahead just after the Anderson Bridge. 6. Anderson Bridge exit to top of the Big Turn Long, gradual turn to port coming up imperative that you don t get stuck on the outside. You have about 250 meters to figure out how to get the inside (port) before the crews converge at the start of the turn. Many crews fizzle during this stretch, so even if you are passed, fall in behind them, or get to their port side if there s room. Be prepared to take a 15 or 20 here to claim your spot if you re running even speed with another crew. 7. Around the Big Turn If you catch someone on this turn, make sure you make your passing intentions obvious (especially if in a bowloader racing against bowloaders). As you re passing boats here, keep in mind that you want to try to clear these crews before Deadman s Curve. 8. Exit of Big Turn through Eliot Bridge Deadman s Curve Try to set yourself up to go single file going through the bridge. Cut diagonally through the bridge, port to starboard to pick up final turn to starboard. If you pick up a crew to pass for the final turn, get on their starboard side immediately after the bridge. 9. Around final turn to Finish Line Hug shore around final starboard shore. As soon as you see the yellow triangular cones, pick a beeline shot right between them. You can cleanly pass boats on either side here in the home stretch Present Yasmin Farooq. All rights reserved. Devising a Passing Plan

13 Proactive Passing (and Giving Way) from the Coxswain s Seat START CHUTE As soon as you see the Starting Order for your event, it s worth sitting down with your coach and taking some time to evaluate who you may catch (as well as who may catch you) over the course of the race. Here s the main thing to keep in mind: Your team will most likely race its fastest time by having as little interaction with other teams as possible. And that s why you need to be very strategic in handling every passing situation. 1 Bridge Traffic Diagrams 2 3 Start Line S BU Bridge / Railroad STREET BOSTON 4 ST 5 CAMBRIDGE River Street QU Western Avenue Points to review Weeks How to Pass Another Crew. Lars Anderson Eliot NOT RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED Tricky Passing Situations. When to Increase Pressure. Strategy When You re Being Passed. When to Decrease Pressure.

14 How to Avoid Penalties and Collisions John M. Lambert Director of the Head Of The Charles, Inc, and Chair of Rules and Appeals Committee. The entire racecourse is watched by teams of Umpires located on every bridge and at every bend. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the racing over the difficult HOCR course is conducted safely. Their second responsibility is to ensure that the racing is fair, and that crews follow the racing rules. Penalties for interference are severe, to encourage crews not to interfere with each other, and to avoid collisions. Tips for avoiding collisions and penalties: 1. Read the Official Handbook, paying particular attention to the Traffic Rules, Traffic Patterns and Racing Rules. 2. At Start Line, it is no advantage for a faster crew to close upon a slower crew before crossing the start line. Apart from risking a penalty by disobeying the Starter s instructions, the first bridge arch is barely wide enough for two crews to pass, and so attempting to overtake a slower crew under the first bridge will likely result in interference. 3. If a slow crew, or a collision between two or more crews, completely blocks your way, you will not get to the finish line any faster by piling on. In fact, you may damage your boat, and may incur a penalty for disregard of safety. Slowing down, stopping for a couple of strokes, or taking a very wide course costs less time than a hole in the boat, or a 60-second penalty. - Race hard, but use common sense on the racecourse - think safety! 4. Fours with bow-loader coxswains: You are strongly advised to ensure that the bow-rower communicates with the coxswain, if being caught up by another faster crew, so that the coxswain can be aware of what side the faster boat is approaching, and steer appropriately to allow the faster boat to safely pass without interference. Similarly, if you have just overtaken a slower boat, communication between bow and coxswain can help prevent you from cutting across the bow of the slow boat before you have clear water (many penalties on fast fours are caused by such interference with the boat that was just passed). 14 How to Avoid Penalties and Collisions 2002-Present John M. Lambert. All rights reserved.

15 Rules of Racing General Responsibilities (guidance to Crews and Scullers): The Charles River is a narrow course with many tight turns. Good sportsmanship is expected at all times and costly penalties have been assigned in the past in cases of bad sportsmanship. The ability to accomplish effective and safe passing is an important aspect of successful racing. However, there are many situations when passing cannot be accomplished safely due to traffic congestion and physical obstacles. The following are the basic responsibilities of scullers and crews in these situations: (i). The boat overtaking (Passer) has the right of way to pass (on the side of its choice) if a safe pass can be accomplished. However, crews and scullers must take note of the following: A. If a pass is attempted and there is not adequate room and time to perform the pass, the Passer is at risk of incurring interference penalties. B. In situations involving three and more boats, there are areas such as bridge arches and narrow, tight turns where passing cannot be accomplished safely. In these situations the Passer must be prudent and delay the act of passing until the pass can be accomplished without incident. The wise sculler or crew knows that more time can be lost by pressing a situation rather than by slowing down and waiting for the right moment to pass. C. Communicate effectively during racing. All shells with bow-loaded coxswains are strongly advised to have their bow seat rower notify the coxswain when there is clear water astern after completing the pass. Timely instruction from the bow seat rower may assist the Passer s coxswain in avoiding stern-to-bow collision and/or an interference penalty due to cutting in too soon. (ii). The boat being overtaken (Overtakee) must yield and give suitable room to the Passer (on the side chosen by the Passer) if a safe pass can be accomplished. Generally this will be the shortest line that gives an advantage. Failure to yield to the Passer is one of the most serious infractions of competitive conduct. Crews and scullers must: A. Be alert to possible upcoming passing attempts and promptly yield when there is adequate room and time. B. Be prepared to miss a few strokes to allow the Passer to pass safely and without interference. C. Communicate effectively during racing. All shells with bow-loaded coxswains are strongly advised to have their bow seat rower notify the coxswain if a following crew is about to make a pass. Timely instruction from the bow seat rower may assist the coxswain in avoiding an interference penalty. (iii). Respect for the safety of other competitors and their equipment must be observed at all times. At no time should an oar be used in anger toward another crew or competitor. (iv). While racing, boats must proceed at a racing pace along the entire course, except where safety considerations dictate otherwise. Any boat whose time is more than 10 minutes slower than that of the fastest time in its event-division may be recorded as "did not finish." How to Avoid Penalties and Collisions 2002-Present HOCR. All rights reserved. 15

16 Rules of Racing Interference and/or buoy penalties are assigned at the sole discretion of the Jury following their review of the observations and recommendations of the Umpires. Repeated or severe interference may result in disqualification. 1. Any boat showing a blatant disregard for safety will be severely penalized and may be disqualified from the Regatta. 2. Fours and eights must have their coxswain on board during the entire race. Failure to do so will result in disqualification. 3. During racing, boats must stay on the Course that is between the orange buoys (on the left, coxswains view) and the green buoys (on the right). Oar blades may go over the buoys but the hull of the shell must stay inside the buoy line. Each buoy taken on the wrong side of the hull will result in a 10-second penalty. 4. Responsibilities of the Overtakee (boat being overtaken) If the Passer moves to within ½ length of open water on the Overtakee, it is the responsibility of the slower crew to yield the line chosen by the Passer in a timely manner. Failure to yield to a Passer when there is adequate room and time will incur the following penalties: -1st infraction 60 second penalty -2nd infraction 120 second penalty -3rd infraction disqualification from the Regatta 5. Responsibilities of Passer 5.1 The Passer must plan passing actions to facilitate safe yields by the Overtakee. The Passer, having chosen a side to overtake, must allow sufficient room and time for the Overtakee to give way and to stay safely within the racecourse. Failure to do so will result in a 30-second interference penalty against the Passer. 5.2 If a pass is attempted and the Overtakee does not yield, the Passer shall not press the right to overtake to the point of forcing a severe collision or forcing either crew off the racecourse. If the Passer causes a collision resulting in damage, interlocking boats or injury, the Passer may face further sanctions under Racing Rule Use of profanity may result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty of 60 seconds! Present Yasmin Farooq. All rights reserved. Rules of Racing

17 Head Racing Strategy Strategy in a Nutshell This should be PRE-determined by and/or with your coach and should take into account the following: Your team s strengths and fitness level Places on the course where you can attack or gain time Course conditions Anticipating unexpected situations (three boats going through a bridge when there s only room for two, being forced to the outside on a corner) Possible unforeseen factors (crabs, non-racing boats crossing your path, recovery from collisions) Pacing Your Crew Over the Course A few quick reminders here on making sure your team starts strong AND stays strong: Make sure that you truly lengthen out to the race pace that you have practiced. The electric Charles atmosphere causes many rookie crews to go out too hard and pay later (usually in the quiet stretch around the Big Turn)! Adrenaline Situations occur when your crew naturally bumps up the intensity and rating during a pass or going through a bridge. That s OK just make sure to lengthen them back to race pace once the pass or obstacle has been completed. There can be some big winds and rough waters in the basin, the Powerhouse Stretch, and in the last 500 meters. If your race pace drops a beat or two in these stretches, and you re moving better, stick with the rhythm and don t sweat the rating. When in a potential quiet stretch of the course (usually right after you exit Anderson Bridge), motivational calls for crews that are out of sight and racing the clock are good reminders to help keep the rhythm strong and the intensity alive. The race is often won or lost in this stretch. Stationing a cheering squad on the Boston shore of the Big Turn can provide your crew with an extra lift Present Yasmin Farooq. All rights reserved. Head Racing Strategy 17

18 Gauging Your Success A good approach to have when entering any head race is to expect the unexpected. At the same time, mastering some of the essentials in practice will enable you to keep a cool head when you encounter challenges on the course. Steering technique and effective tactical calls need to be automatic on race day and can be learned and mastered in practice well in advance of racing. Knowledge of the course and strategy should be determined before race day. Acting and reacting to situations on the course, and keeping your cool under pressure come with experience. Make sure your expectations of yourself are realistic. Finally, to give yourself the best feedback, record your races whenever possible. Listening later after the adrenaline of race day has passed--will enable you to evaluate your performance with a clear head. It will also provide you with some great memories years down the road. Good Luck and Have Fun! Present Yasmin Farooq. All rights reserved. Gauging Your Success

19 Special Thanks: V John Lambert Chair of the HOCR s Rules & Appeals Committee V Fred Schoch - Exec. Dir., Head of the Charles Regatta V Ed Hewitt, row2k.com V Lyssa Bayne & Jane Hanlon THANK YOU!!! V Nielsen-Kellerman Awesome Sponsor. V Concept 2 Awesome Sponsor. V Kane Larin & CRI Awesome host. CRI 20 Nonantum Road Brighton, MA You may contact Yaz at: coxswaination@gmail.com 2002-Present Yasmin Farooq. All rights reserved. Special Thanks 19

20 SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT KNOW THE TRAFFIC AND RACE RULES GOOD LUCK & HAVE FUN! VISIT THE ELIOT BRIDGE ENCLOSURE! (by Aston Martin) The Head Of The Charles Regatta is pleased to present the annual Eliot Bridge Enclosure, a controlled-access hospitality tent. Patrons of the EBE will enjoy a distinctive dining experience as well as premium beers, fine wines, & soda. Location: The Enclosure will sit at the river s edge, upstream of the Eliot Bridge, a short walk from the Rowing and Fitness Expo and the Finish Area Launch Site (FALS). Hours: The Enclosure will be open 8am-5pm Saturday and Sunday. Tickets Include: - Come-and-go access to the Enclosure - Early morning coffee and breakfast items - A delicious gourmet buffet luncheon This unparalleled hospitality destination offers competitors, families, friends, & spectators a relaxing oasis in the midst of one of the Regatta s most bustling areas. Within the Enclosure, high-end food offerings and sophistication meet the magnetic spirit of rowing that brings athletes and spectators down to the banks of the Charles every October. VISIT REUNION VILLAGE! (by Delta Air Lines) The Village offers a fun and relaxed atmosphere located at the halfway point, offering one of the BEST viewing sites on the racecourse! Everyone is welcome. Admission: $10/Day, Drink Tickets $7 each Children under 12 are Free!. Open Sat. 8:30am-5pm & Sun. 8:30am-4:30pm - Dining tent with food and refreshments. - Play-by-play color commentary of the racing. - Seating along the river for spectators. The Village is located on the Boston side of the Charles River between the Weeks and Anderson Bridges. *Beer Garden is presented by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.