[CUCBC Coxes] Early mornings and racing starts

[Mark Stringer]

Hi Everyone, 

 

Bumps is one week away and inevitably that means loads of traffic in the
mornings.  Unfortunately, the sheer number of people out on the river during
the mornings means that any problems get magnified.

 

Lighting down is now at the point where you might find yourself spinning at
the P&E and heading downstream for your second run before 07:30.  Please be
doubly aware of the time and make sure that all noise is kept to an absolute
minimum before 07:30.  Please don't crank cox boxes up to full volume as
soon as it goes 07:30.there just isn't any need.

 

The large numbers of boats on the river also means that crossing points are
going to be difficult.  Remember that crew heading UPSTREAM (towards the
boat houses) has the right of way.  However, this does not give you the
right to be in the middle/wrong side of the river, especially in the gut.
Finally, be prepared to move off as quickly as you can in the crossing
points if you have had to stop (ie. If you've easied, don't spend the next
5minutes having a coaching chat)

 

Lots of crews are putting in racing starts all the way up the course.  There
is no problem with this per se, except please be considerate of other people
- It is incredibly frustrating and dangerous for boats following if you
continually stop, then do a start for five strokes and suddenly easy and
stop again.  If you are going to do racing starts, make sure it is safe to
do so.  Also, if you know you are just doing the first three, or the first
3+5, consider letting boats which are going on to come by.  Last point - try
and keep right over to your side if you are going to be doing lots of starts
(obviously not so close that you might crash) so the option is available for
other crews to pass you when you stop.

 

Nearly there.

If people start shouting at you, please keep in control of both your crew
and your coaches and not get involved in shouting matches while on the
river.  

 

Last but not least, remember that the pre-bumps safety meetings are this
Sunday at the Engineering Department on Trumpington Street:

Senior Coxes: 19:15

Novice Coxes: 19:45

 

ALL coxes taking part in bumps MUST attend one of these sessions - if you
are not there, you will NOT race bumps.

As a security requirement everyone must bring University cards or they will
not be allowed in.

 

 

Yours,

 

Mark Stringer

CUCBC Coxing Rep

 

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