This year’s regatta will take the same format as last years in order to encourage everyone to participate. Instead of making up scratch crews and racing taking place over heats and finals as we have done historically , we propose to run one Head Race style race with entries accepted in any boat class irrelevant of which group you normally row or scull in.
So whichever squad you are a part of, and whether you want to race in a single scull or a crew boat, we would encourage you to come and race and then afterwards enjoy a BBQ on the new terrace or hot food inside the clubhouse if weather turns cold!
The race will start at the crossover point before the barges at Brentford Dock (assuming you are paddling downstream) and finish at the Club flagpole, a distance of approx 3.5km, with the slowest boats going off first and the fastest last. The first three boats across the finish line will each win a prize. Starting gaps will be adjusted according to expected speed so that everyone has a fair chance to win.
If you would like to race then you can enter by emailing Ian Roots ( iroots@drakeintl.co.uk ) ideally prior to the 29th September or on the day by latest 10am at the club detailing your crew, boat class i.e. 1x, 2x 4x etc and the boat you will be racing in if a club boat. There will also be a sign-up sheet at the club, although it would be appreciated if you could also drop Ian an e-mail asap as the earlier you get your entry in the easier it is to organise club boats and blades etc.
So if you would like to race in any boat class from a single scull to an VIII, then please arrange your crew and boat and submit your entry as detailed above. We look forward to seeing you all on Sunday 29th in the Lawson Room for a pre race briefing at 10.15 ready to boat in your chosen crews by 10.45 latest . Even if you can’t race then please come and join us afterwards for food (£5 per person, rower-size portions!).