Basin / Start Traffic Patterns

SECTION B: REGATTA AND RACING RULES

9. RULES OF RACING: STARTING

9.1. Latecomers: Due to the nature and size of each event it is impossible to wait for latecomers. Each crew and sculler is responsible for being on time for their event.

9.2. Basin Traffic Pattern: All boats should follow the Basin Traffic Pattern (this map should be downloaded from the Maps section of the website) except when otherwise directed by the Marshals. All boats should be in the buoyed Queuing Zone 5 minutes prior to the start of their race. Once in the Queuing Zone, boats should proceed parallel to one another with odd numbers on the Boston side and even numbers on the Cambridge side and only proceed single file once you approach the Start Line. Crews or scullers that fail to follow the Starter's command will be penalized.

Note of advice: Passing is permitted prior to the BU Bridge using EXTREME CAUTION. Overtaking boats must ensure room is available to complete a safe pass and are subject to a safety penalty (Rule 10.1) in the event that the overtaken boat is forced into an abutment. While the railroad trestle bridge's second arch from the right (Cambridge) shore is the preferred route, the right (closest to Cambridge) arch of the Railroad trestle bridge may be used (WITH EXTREME CAUTION) when the center arch appears too congested. Use of this arch is permitted but strongly discouraged.

9.3. Late Boats: Late arriving boats should not cross the queuing line of buoys to jump into the starting sequence, but should await instruction from the Marshals or Starter. Boats that arrive late may be allowed to start behind their assigned position, but only at the discretion of the Starter. Any boat that starts out of sequence against the orders of the Starter will be disqualified.

9.4. Re-Start: Once a boat has crossed the starting line and a time has been captured, under no circumstances shall a re-start be permitted.

9.5. Time Gaps between Event-Divisions: The HOCR Starter will maintain a predetermined variable gap of several minutes between event-divisions.

NB: All Competitors are expected to be at full power when crossing the Start Line.