[CUCBC Coxes] Rights of way below Bait's Bite

[PETER CONVEY]

Dear all

in the light of a serious accident below Bait's Bite, which many will be aware of from the message boards, I need to remind clubs and in particular coxes of the rights of way below the lock. You need to remember that:

1) for much of the available length below the lock the river is narrower than it is above the lock, and two crews cannot pass each other in opposing directions

2) in circumstances where two crews meet (or a crew meets any other vessel), the vessel travelling upstream (ie towards Cambridge) has right of way. The downstream crew should therefore, if necessary, stop, pull in towards the side (nb towards the 'true' right hand bank), and pull in its oars. This applies whatever the downstream crew is doing in terms of training.

3) although rowing crews will typically row in the centre of the available water along this stretch, remember that standard navigation practice is to 'keep right', so that is the direction you should move in order to get out of the way of an oncoming vessel

I'm obviously well aware that eligible crews go over the lock for the opportunity to practice full pressure pieces. If you are sufficiently aware of the rules applying, and the cox and coach are observant and aware of other crews around and respond correctly and quickly, it is perfectly safe to do so.

Thanks
Pete
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