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These instructions compiled by David Biddulph.
WOMEN'S EIGHTS HEAD - 16 March 1996 - 2.00 pm Here are copies of: Instructions to coxswains Navigation rules Notice of talk to coxswains (Start order listed separately) COXSWAINS: PLEASE GET HOLD OF YOUR COPY OF THE FULL INFORMATION WHICH IS BEING SENT TO ALL CLUBS, INCLUDING THE MAP TO GO WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS. ******************************************************************************* THE WOMEN'S EIGHTS HEAD OF THE RIVER RACE 16 March 1996, 2.00 pm INSTRUCTIONS TO COXSWAINS CREW NO ........ COURSE: Downstream from the University Stone, Chiswick Bridge, to Putney Bridge (4 1/4 miles) ALL CREWS MUST BE IN POSITION BY 1.50 pm DIVISION 1 Nos 1 to 56 MIDDLESEX bank, just above Horseferry RC (No 1) to UL (No 56). SEE MAP DIVISION 2 Nos 57 to 111 SURREY bank, upstream from just above Mortlake Steps (No 57). SEE MAP DIVISION 3 Nos 112 to 163 MIDDLESEX bank, downstream from Chiswick Bridge (No 163) in DESCENDING ORDER. This division will move up to replace Division 1 and go off after Division 2 in numerical order. Once above Chiswick Bridge the division will marshal DIVISION 4 Nos 164 to 205 SURREY bank, downstream from Chiswick Bridge (No 205) in DESCENDING ORDER towards Barnes Bridge (No 164). The division will move up to replace Division 2. Once above Chiswick Bridge the division Will marshal with 164 just above DIVISION 5 Nos 206 to 252 MIDDLESEX bank behind Division 3, with No 252 behind No 112 and crew 206 below the Bandstand. When the Divisions start to move up Crew 252 Will be held at Chiswick Bridge until Division 3 starts to turn. SEE MAP MARSHALS will direct crews to the appropriate places in their divisions; the marshals' instructions MUST BE OBEYED at all times, including whilst the race is in progress; crews failing so to do are liable to be DISQUALIFIED. WARMING UP is NOT allowed in the marshalling area, crews so doing are liable to be DISQUALIFIED. Crews must not proceed downstream of Chiswick Bridge and/or Barnes Bridge after 1.55 pm. COACHES SHOULD NOT GIVE INSTRUCTIONS to their crews in the marshalling area. LATE ARRIVALS Their starting position will be determined by the marshals, with safety being the overriding factor. Crews failing to obey the marshals' instructions are liable to be DISQUALIFIED. START Division 1 will be asked to turn first; Division 3 will then move up into their place. When Division 2 begins to turn Division 4 will move up into their place; when Division 3 begins to turn Division 5 will move up into their place. CREWS WILL BE DIRECTED TO TURN BY MARSHALS IN LAUNCHES, and must wait for this instruction BEFORE BEGINNING TO TURN. Crews should take the centre arch of Chiswick Bridge. The Starter will be in a launch moored just below the bridge and will give crews the order to start, calling out their number. TIMING will begin from the 'START' banner below Chiswick Bridge on the SURREY bank. RACE Crews should keep to the CENTRE of the river, but SHOULD NOT IMPEDE OVERTAKING CREWS. They should pass through the CENTRE ARCHES of Barnes and Hammersmith Bridges. When approaching Putney, crews should keep to the MIDDLESEX SIDE of the moored boats FINISH will be at Putney Pier and will be marked by a 'FINISH' banner on the Pier. For SAFETY REASONS CREWS MUST NOT EASY at this point, but should continue to row through the CENTRE ARCH of Putney Bridge before stopping and turning. After turning, the OBSERVERS Official Observers will be on the bank to report any incidents to the Chief Umpire. COMPLAINTS should be directed to the Chief Umpire, Mrs Margaret Adams, IMMEDIATELY after the race at Horseferry RC (Tel: 01 81 994 1628) and no later than 4.30 pm. ******************************************************************************************** NAVIGATION RULES ON THE TIDEWAY (Please read in conjunction with the map of the course) Proceeding to the Start Between Putney and Corney Reach keep to the SURREY bank. When you reach the crossing point opposite Corney Reach (large green 'Barratts' sign) cross to the MIDDLESEX bank (above the pontoons and moored boats). Once through Barnes Bridge ONLY cross to th Before 1.50 pm Crews marshalling in Division 1 should keep to the MIDDLESEX bank. Crews marshalling in Division 2 should keep to the Middlesex bank and only cross to the Surrey bank when they are through Chiswick Bridge. After 1.50 pm MARSHALS WILL NOT ALLOW CREWS TO CROSS THE RIVER ABOVE CHISWICK BRIDGE AFTER 1.50 pm In other areas marshals will only allow crews to cross if it is safe to do so. Any crew out of position by that time will be marshalled out of order and MAY go off at the end of Division 5. Returning to Upriver Boathouses from Putney Keep to the SURREY bank until you reach the crossing point opposite Corney Reach (large green 'Barratts' sign), cross to the MIDDLESEX bank and stay on that side until you are through Chiswick Bridge. REMEMBER THAT THE RIVER IS ONLY CLOSED FOR A SHORT TIME BEFORE THE START OF THE RACE AND UNTIL THE LAST BOAT HAS CROSSED THE FINISH LINE. ***** In the event of adverse river/weather conditions please contact Di Graham on Friday evening, telephone 01932 240459, to check if the race will take place. ******************************************************************************************* TALK FOR COXSWAINS - STEERING THE WOMEN'S HEAD 11 am, Thames RC, 16th March 1996 by Tim Lohmann (Winner Women's Fours Head 1995 Thames & London cox 3rd Women's Head) Tim will help you make the most of the famous course to ensure your crew achieves the fastest possible time Race starts 2pm The talk will last approximately 45 mins, allowing ample time to return to your launching site.