RegattaCentral

If you intend to bring a trailer, let me know.  We have limited space. If you can share trailers, that would be great.  Let me know if you are car topping.

Coaches/Coxns meeting--8:30 am

HEAD OF THE CHRISTINA RACE COURSE NOTES

NOTE: MAKE SURE ALL BOATS HAVE VELCRO-QUICK RELEASE AND 3' SAFETY HEEL CORDS, and BOW BALL; DO NOT LAUNCH WITHOUT THESE USROWING SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the following text description of the course, there will be a coxn/coaches meeting at 08:30 am. There is an aerial, color photo of the course available.

It is very important to make the coxn/coaches meeting. It is very helpful to all competitors in terms of safety and also in getting an idea of the fastest way to race the course!

OVERVIEW

The Head of the Christina is rowed on the tidal Christina River in Wilmington, Delaware. The buoyed race course follows the center line of the Christina and is approximately 4300 meters in length, with 4 bridges and numerous sweeping turns to be negotiated. The course's START is 'downstream' of Wilmington at the I-495 over-head highway bridge and runs 'upstream' through Wilmington's Riverfront, with the FINISH LINE just past the Riverfront Shops at a small brick utility building (The WRC adult club dock). Because of the tidal conditions, the current direction and speed will vary from the day's first event to the last. Changing water depths will also occur, requiring attention be paid to the low water and obstruction markers.

If you are passing, do so on the port (left) of the crew being passed.Let them know you are about to pass.If you are being passed, move safely over to the right, so as not to impede the passing boat.Remember, safety comes first!!

COURSE MARKINGS

The course is marked with orange buoys, spaced approximately every 50 meters. For most of the course, these buoys follow the center line of the river. Green floats mark the starting shoot--funnel and dock areas. White floats mark low water areas and obstructions. Keep these white floats to starboard as you travel to the start,while racing and while returning to the docking areas. The official finish is marked by a fixed stake on the shore opposite the finish line race officials.Two large orange buoys make a reference finish line for contestants. Row at your race pace thru these orange buoys.

TO THE START

Launch with your bow pointing 'UPSTREAM' (that is to your right as you stand on the WYRA dock;if you launch from the WRC dock, you would go to your left for the downstream approach to the Start line). Continue 'upstream' about 20 strokes-- to the end of the GREEN LAUNCH AREA markers. With caution, turn and CROSS THE RACE COURSE and head 'DOWNSTREAM' to the START.

Keep the ORANGE COURSE MARKERS on your PORT SIDE; do not cross these buoys as they mark the race course. Look out for competitors racing 'UPSTREAM' that may be close or over the course markers. Be aware of the pilings, low water areas, and bridge abutments to your right.

Of special note is the low water and pilings on the starboard side in the sweeping turn after the tug boats. Observe the white low water markers, keeping them on your starboard side.

Pass through the starboard channel of the large railroad swinging bridge.Most likely the bridge will be in the open position (no train coming).If on the outside chance, the bridge starts is closed or starts to swing closed, the height from the bottom of the swinging section is 12' high at low tide and 6'at the highest tide.

Stay to PORT of the orange course floats as you pass thru the large arch of the I-495 Bridge.Continue downstream past the green buoyed ?starting shoot? and follow the directions of the course marshal who will direct you into correct starting order.

****THE RACE COURSE*****

At the direction of the Starter, enter the GREEN MARKERS of the STARTING SHOOT. Move to RACE PACE by time you cross The START LINE just before the I-495 Bridge.

Continue 'upstream', keeping the ORANGE COURSE MARKERS on your PORT--left--SIDE. All racers MUST pass thru the marked main channel of the railroad swing bridge.This keeps you away from the low water on the starboard side upstream of the railroad swing bridge. This low water area is marked with white floats.

The course narrows into the curve at the tugboats, with the current possibly making the course markers hard to spot.

After approximately 2500 meters, keep the GREEN MARKERS to your STARBOARD side. These mark the Return Shoot to the Dock Area.

The best line past the Dock Area and through the next two bridges is along the Course Markers at mid channel.

After passing under the second of these bridges, the course makes a sharp turn to port. After this turn, the course starts a final 800 meter straight to the finish.

The FINISH LINE is marked with two large Orange Floats.

After Crossing the Finish Line, keep rowing for about 30 strokes (Don't just stop or another boat could hit you)

*DO NOT GO NEAR OR THROUGH this RAILROAD BRIDGE! Spin it, turn, 'downstream' and again keep the Orange Course Markers on your port side. Observe the pilings and low water near the starboard shore. Continue past the Green Markers of your Launch and Dock Approaches and then use CAUTION and YIELD in CROSSING the RACE COURSE. Follow the direction of the DOCK MASTER and clear the dock promptly. 

Have a great race!

Head of the Christina Staff

Thanks

Gordon