RegattaCentral

Racing Map (PDF)

MRC Launch and Return Traffic Pattern at MRC (PDF)

RULES

Racing Rules

See Racing Map and Traffic Pattern Map.

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

0:30 or Exclusion - Buoy (Red) Start Line to I-94

1:00 or Exclusion - Buoy (Red) I-94 to Finish Line

0:30 or Exclusion - Buoy (Yellow) MRC Docks to I-94 (Penalty applies to those going to and from the docks as well those racing on the course.)

1:00 or Exclusion - For non-sportsmanlike conduct or passing (include collision).

1:00 or Exclusion - Late to Starting Line

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

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

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

Launching and Warm Up

From U of M 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 one-minute penalty for each red buoy you cross with the hull of your boat through the last turn before Washington Bridge.

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

Returning After Racing

To U of M 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.

Again, Do Not Cross Course – crossing course may lead to disqualification.

Safety checks

Safety checks shall be done visually.  If a Race Official has concerns about the safety of equipment, they shall have the competitor demonstrate that the equipment meets the requirements in the Rules of Racing.

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.

Protests

Any protest can be made in writing at the registration area within 60 minutes of race finish.  A $50 protest fee must accompany a written protest note.  The $50 will be returned if protest is upheld.

ELIGIBILITY

Weighing:

There is no weighing of boat or athletes at this regatta.

Classifications

“Masters”: Rowers who have attained or will attain the age of 27 during the calendar year.  A competitor’s age is determined as of December 31 of the current calendar year, rounded down to the nearest whole number.

“Juniors”: High school or community rowing programs where the oldest rower will not have attained the age of 19 by the end of the calendar year in which the race occurs.

“Novice/Freshman”: Any rower who began rowing May 2023 or later and/or is in their first year of rowing at the collegiate level.

“Open/Collegiate”: Any rower or crew representing a college or university, either as a club or varsity sport, and any non-collegiate rower or crew not otherwise classified or affiliated. NOTE: No Junior may cox or row in a boat entered in any collegiate events.

Handicaps for Master's Events

Handicaps are based on the standard USRA rules.  If you fail to provide ages for each rower in Regatta Central, they will be assigned the age of 27 and averaged at that.