Getting on to the Stakeboat

Best Practice for Getting onto the Start on Non-Tidal Water

The following has been issued by the Thames Regional Umpires Commission.  Please make sure ALL crew members (not only the cox) have read and understood these guidelines.

Crews experiencing difficulty in getting attached at the start become unfocused and do not race at their best.  Coaches should ensure that their crews following the ensuing guidelines to minimise delays and facilitate smoother racing.  They should:

  1. Move onto the alloted lane without impeding crews in other lanes.
  2. Turn their boat within the lanes' width, 50 metres from the start, directly ahead of the stake boat.
  3. The stern half of the crew should back down at backstops and without slides - Bow half of the crew sit with blades flat on the water.
  4. The boat speed is checked by the bow half just before attaching by squaring their blades.  The stake is thus not pulled out of alignment. Stroke is to control this manoeurve in bow loaded boats.
  5. Minor adjustments in direction by 'bow' or 'two' as appropriate taking short stabs at front stops using arms only (no slides).
  6. More significant adjustments to be done by 'bow' or 'two' passing blade handle to 'two' or 'three', who then takes short stabs using arms with the blade well ahead of front stops (no slide).
  7. Adjustment needs to be continuous in cross winds to over-compensate until advised to stop and get ready by the starter.