RegattaCentral

HEAD OF THE MISSISSIPPI: Local Racing Rules 

LAUNCHING & WARM UP

From RIVER FLATS

We will call boats to the water one hour prior to racing; but it is up to you to allow yourself enough time and to have bow numbers and boats ready at the start. Plan on taking at least 30 minutes to row to the warm up area.

Launch and head down the East side of the river. Stay to the Port Shore and watch for oncoming racers.  Keep all RED Chanel Markers to your Starboard side - EXCEPT between the Railroad Bridge and Lake Street Bridge!!

Continue through Lake Street Bridge and watch for boats coming across from Minneapolis Rowing Club.

Starting area is the Lake Street Bridge at Minneapolis Rowing Club.

After passing the Start you may row down to last Marshal and then circle clockwise in warm up area. Please pay attention to other boats and start moving to Starting Marshal as called or by time or with other boats in your event in order.

From MRC

Follow the launch chute past Lake Street Bridge then cross to warm up area. Pay attention to boats coming up landing chute and do not impede boats coming up to staging area to start race. Pay attention and move slowly to warm up area. Do Not Cross Course – crossing course may lead to disqualification.

TRAFFIC PATTERN RACING

The race is run up the west side of the river (opposite of normal traffic pattern).

There are three bridges on the course, as indicated on the course map. Any incidental hazards, such as snags or shallow areas, will be marked or have a safety launch and driver posted at them. 

Bridges & Buoys

You must go through shore span of the RR Bridge, Franklin (only one span) & 94 BUT must go through the far shore (West side) of the Washington Bridge – last bridge before finish.

There will be a 30 second penalty for each red buoy you cross with the hull of your boat through the last turn before Washington Bridge.

Pay attention Crews warming up from the River Flats will be on the opposite side of the river.  

RETURNING AFTER RACING

To RIVER FLATS

Continue through FINISH. Do not stop right after finish! Continue to next red buoy and then begin turn to the East side and row carefully back to dock. Listen for directions from Finish Marshal and Dock Master.

To MRC:

Follow directions above for "launching from River Flats" all the way though Lake Street Bridge.  Then circle and come to landing chute - pay attention to not impede racers starting and boats launching.  If you are hot seating make plans to hot seat from River Flats Dock to assure you make the race.  Do Not Cross Course – crossing course may lead to disqualification.

HOT SEATING

If your boat requires 'hot seating' please let the dock master know and have those going into boat ready or the boat will have to be pulled off the dock. Talk to the other crews and let them know you are hot seating for priority docking.

RACING RULES

See Traffic pattern.

Boats racing have the right away over all other boats. Any non-racing boat that interferes with a race will be subject to a 1:00 penalty or exclusion.

An overtaking boat is considered to be overtaking when it moves to within a boat length of the boats it is approaching. When passing another boat, the overtaking boat has the right of way, but is obliged to make it apparent to the boat ahead on which side is wishes to pass. The boat being overtaken must yield room to the overtaking boat, usually on the outside. However, no overtaking boat should press its right of way to the point of collision. Racing boats, by judgment of the officials, cannot interfere with other racers without a penalty or exclusion.

PENALTIES

1:00 or Exclusion for non-sportsmanlike conduct or passing (include collusion).

1:00 - Late to Starting Line

1:00 - Wrong Bridge Arch (Railroad), Wrong Bridge Arch (I-94), Wrong Bridge Arch (Washington)

Buoy (Red) I-94 to Finish Line

0:30 - Buoy (Yellow) By MRC Docks (Penalty applies to those going to and from the docks as well those racing on the course.)                                                                         

Exclusion - Crossing the race course (e.g. from warm-up area to MRC Docks or vice versa)     

Note: the Regatta Chair and Head Official reserves the right to rule on any situations not specifically covered in these rules and assess penalties as appropriate.