RegattaCentral

HEAD OF THE REACH

SATURDAY, September 9, 2017

Welcome to the Delta Deas Rowing Club’s annual Head of the Reach regatta

DELTA DEAS ROWING CLUB modified the Head of the Reach race in the last two years that has enhanced the race for all participants. Boats of the same speed are matched and race down the 7 km course together. This provides another boat to pace and race against while passing the picturesque float homes of canoe pass, by islands in the south arm of the Fraser River, and under the Deas Tunnel access bridge into Deas Slough.

Racing will take place in two legs. Leg 1 will consist of a short time trial run in normal head race format. The raw times from Leg 1 will be used to set the start order for Leg 2, when boats will race over the longer head race course in pairs. At the end of racing, the times from Leg 1 and Leg 2 will be combined and appropriate handicaps applied to determine the finishing order. Although boats might be racing the course against boats from a different class, prizes will be awarded by class in the normal way.

While not on the race course, be sure to enjoy DDRC’s hospitality by checking out the renowned food offerings—free to all registered participants—in the concession tent. There is an amazing variety of fresh-baked goods, bagels with cream cheese, salmon or bacon, fresh fruit, juice, good quality coffee, hot chocolate, tea and water.

Entry fees for the day of racing, whether you chose to race one or both flights, are $35.00 per person.

Prior to heading out onto the water, please read the following information carefully.

Enjoy your race!

 

1. RULES

The Regatta is sanctioned by Rowing BC and races will be governed by the Canadian Rules of Racing defined by Rowing Canada Aviron.

2. TIME TRIAL – LEG 1 (1000m)

There will be two flights. Crews for each flight will launch, gather in the marshalling area between the start line and the bridge, wait to be called onto the course one at a time and race back. The start will be on the paddle.

Any crew failing to set a leg 1 time will be scored with the slowest recorded time.

3. HEAD RACE – LEG 2 (7500m) - Map of Race Course is within the Venue section.

• DOWNRIVER ROW TO START LINE
  • Boats will be assigned new bow numbers based on the raw time in Leg 1. Start will be in bow number order. Crews will launch by flights and proceed downriver to the start area. Please follow instructions from the Course Marshalls.
  • Take note of the position of the course buoys (color and location) and any hazards to navigation not indicated on the course map.

Boats must be downriver and in the marshalling area 15 minutes prior to start time.

• UPRIVER RACE
  • Boats will line up 2 by 2 for a standing start. Odd numbered boats line up on the north side of the course (port side when facing in race direction), even numbered boats on the south side. As one pair of boats is starting the next pair should be lining up beside each other 2-3 lengths back from the start line in preparation to paddle up to the start line together.
  • The start will be a quick start. Alignment will be determined by the starter.

The first major turn is approximately 1000m up the course. All parts of this course except the lighthouse turn and the bridge provide plenty of room for two boats to row line abreast. Competitors are expected to be guided by good sportsmanship at all times and to be aware of the position of the boats around them in relation to the shoreline or other obstacles. Severe penalties may be assessed against a crew who force another crew into a dangerous situation.

3. FINISH

Finish line is 500 m from the Deas Island dock. A cool-down area will be just behind the finish line. Race map available in Venue section for Head of the Reach in Regatta Central

Please be aware of the limited space available behind the finish line when participating in a cool down.

Because of the limited space, flow pattern during cool-down must be strictly observed.

If you retire or choose not to complete the course for any reason please advise the nearest safety boat.

4. PENALTIES AND BEHAVIOUR

Regatta course markers will be placed at the Start and Finish lines.

Large yellow buoys mark the route near the lighthouse; please keep the buoys on your port side downriver and your starboard side coming upriver during the race.

Failure to maintain a safe course will result in disqualification.

Slower crews not giving way will be subject to appropriate reprimand penalty or action by the regatta organizer or Umpire.

A time penalty will be applied to any boat that cuts a corner by not correctly rounding any of the yellow inflatable buoys.

5. SCORING

Race times will be Leg 1 time plus Leg 2 time with suitable handicaps applied to the total time where applicable.

Awards will go to the top male, female and mixed crews in each boat class (1x, 2x, 4’s, 4x and 8).

6. COACH, ATHLETE AND COXSWAIN MEETING

ALL athletes, coxswains and bow persons of each boat from both flights need to be present at the informational meeting prior to the beginning of the first flight

Meeting will begin at 7:00 am in front of the DDRC boathouse. 

7. SCHEDULE

A Dock Marshal must check all boats for heel tie-downs and bow balls prior to launch. Crews are responsible to make sure their boat is checked and marked off on the Dock Marshal’s check sheet.

All boats are to be launched at the Delta Deas Rowing Club dock or adjacent beach.

LAUNCHING

Leg 1 - TIME TRIAL

Flight 1 launch: 07:20

Dock closed: 07:45

Flight 1 start: 08:00

Flight 2 launch: 08:30

Dock closed: 09:05

Flight 2 start: 09:20

 

Leg 2 - HEAD RACE

Flight 1 launch: 10:15

Dock closed: 10:40

Flight 1 start: 11:20

Flight 2 launch: 12:30

Dock closed: 12:55

Flight 2 start: 13:35

In fairness to crews waiting at the start, no late launching will be allowed.

8. RISK

Competitors and crews participate in the races entirely at their own risk. The decision to race is that of the competing crew alone. The organizers will not accept any liability for material damage, personal injury or death sustained in conjunction with, or prior to, or during or after the event.

Be guided by the rules of good sportsmanship.