800 Blackburn Point Rd.  Osprey, FL 34229.  We warm up heading south and race for just under 5000m heading north towards the Casey Key swing bridge. This event is held on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).

Map of the START Section

Map of the FINISH Section

Teams are limited to (2) 10x10 tents or (1) 10x20 tent.  These must be set up in the team tent areas only! 

Trailers have priorty for parking spaces, please follow instructions of the parking lot attendant.  Please arrive EARLY trailer drivers! Friday night arrival may be possible, please contact us for details if you plan to arrive Friday night.

Sarasota 5000 Head Race Course Details:

The total length of the course is approximately 4750 meters. 

Masters handicaps will be calculated (based on 4750 meters). 

 LAUNCH  &  RECOVERY:

All crews will launch from the SCRC/Scullers boatyard and pass under the Blackburn Point swing bridge, then follow Water Traffic Instructions below.

Use caution in the area between RED 28 and GREEN 23, where the channel narrows due to the mangrove islands.  Northbound racing crews will pass close aboard to port between markers GREEN 29 to GREEN 23.  Follow instructions of  water safety launches and referees near Markers 29 and 23.

After GREEN 23, proceed South past the starting line (RED 16) to the Marshalling Area. Stay just West (markers on your right) of the ICW.

Please stay between RED 14 and RED 16 until called by the marshal.

RACE  COURSE

 The Start Line vessel will be anchored  EAST  of  RED 16.

Crews will pass between  RED 16  and the Start Line anchored vessel at full pressure.  Expect approximately 15 seconds separation between each crew at  Start Line.  Stay EAST of the intercoastal waterway, keeping red channel markers on your port side.

The area between  RED 20  &  RED 22  is the beginning of the no passing zone. Failure to heed referee instructions WILL result in a penalty of 45 seconds. All passing must be completed by marker 20. The racer being passed must yield to allow for execution of a safe pass by the other boat to be completed before the racers reach  RED  Marker  22.

The area of the course between   RED  22  thru  GREEN  25   is a   No Passing Zone.  Northbound racers must travel single file through this area. Passing or failing to heed referee instructions will result in a 45 second penalty.

GREEN  25  is the end of the  No Passing Zone.  Passing beyond here is possible, however there are several pilings you must avoid! Pay attention, please. Keep red channel markers on your right side for shortest distance

Finish Line:  formed by line of sight from the RED  32 and  No Wake sign

Post race/rowing back to recovery - Boats going to the start have right of way under the bridge.