HOW TO COX THE HEAD OF THE CHARLES - 19TH ANNUAL - Coxswain Nation
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19 TH A NNUAL
H OW TO COX
THE HEAD OF THE C HARLES
Officially
sanctioned by:
Sponsored by:
AND
Oct. 15 & 16, 2021
Contents
A Quick Review of Steering Technique for Head Racing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Steering Directions for the Head Of The Charles® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Dangerous Spots in Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Devising a Passing Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
How to Avoid Penalties and Collisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Rules of Racing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Head Racing Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Gauging Your Success. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Special Thanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
©2002-Present Yaz Farooq. All rights reserved.
NK Ad Goes here-1/2
A Quick Review of Steering Technique for Head Racing
Good steering really requires finesse, especially in races where you have to physically
hang corners and maneuver around other boats. Your goal should be for your steering to
have as little effect on the balance of the boat as possible. You can achieve this by
steering subtly on straight stretches, and by communicating clearly with your team on
major turns.
Holding the Tiller Ropes
Set your palms on the gunwales of the boat, and grasp the tiller knobs using your thumb
and first two fingers. The gunwale should be in between your third and fourth fingers.
This allows you to use your fourth and pinky fingers to press against the gunwales, and
enables you to hold yourself in the boat effectively.
(Depending on the boat, you may have the gunwale
between your second and third fingers). You can
simultaneously steer with your fingers, and push
against the gunwales with your arms to hold your
body against the back of the seat and better brace
yourself at race pace. Also, steering with your fingers,
instead of your hands ensures that your steering is
smooth and subtle, which in turn helps keep the boat
balanced.
You should make sure that the actual motion of steering involves pushing the tiller
knobs, and not pulling them. To go to starboard, gently push the right tiller knob forward.
To go port, gently push the left tiller knob forward. Steering where you pull on the
opposite knobs often results in delayed boat response (especially if there is slack in the
tiller rope), and is much more jerky. It almost always upsets the balance of the boat.
Steering Techniques
The most important thing to remember about steering is that if you are in a situation
where you need to steer immediately, do it! If your steering will affect the balance of
the boat, communicate this to your crew. That said, the following techniques will outline
optimal ways of steering for different scenarios. If you pay attention to feeling how
your steering affects the boat you can master each of these techniques effectively. For
this weekend’s regatta, it would be best if you steer with the technique that you typically
use. There’s no need to surprise your team with anything new (especially a change in
how you steer) at a regatta as challenging as the Head. But hopefully these guidelines
will help you with your long-term technique.
4 Coxing the HOCR Steering Technique for Head Racing
©2002-Present Yasmin Farooq. All rights reserved.
Technique #1: Steering on the recovery
Whenever possible, you want to gently nudge the tiller ON THE RECOVERY. The boat
responds more quickly on the recovery than if you steer during the drive, and you don’t work
against the propulsion of the blades in the water. The key here is SUBTLE. It takes much
less of an effort to get the boat to change direction. The right time to use this kind of steering
is if you need to adjust your point slightly and you can do it on the recovery of one stroke.
This technique is most effective when you’re at rate 30 or above and trying to go in a
straight line. If you have a major adjustment to make, do not steer on the recovery, as it
will throw off the balance of the boat. Steering on the recovery can work at lower stroke
rates if the point adjustment is minimal.
Technique #2: Steering over several strokes
On gradual corners, it will be least upsetting to the boat to slowly and smoothly initiate the
turn on the DRIVE, all the while communicating this to your team. A comment: “I’m gently
easing the boat to port,” or “I’m straightening out” lets the crew know they may need to
adjust their handle heights somewhat. Do not “Pulse” steer—where you steer only when the
blades are in the water. This only makes the boat rock. The motion should be smooth and
steady, and may take place during both drive and recovery. The key is for the motion to be
smooth, not “on and off.” In a stiff quartering or cross headwind, you may need to move the
tiller and hold it in place over several strokes to keep your point. Moving the tiller on the
drive will probably upset the boat the least in this case. The key here is to not be moving the
tiller back and forth every stroke.
Hold it in position until the desired point is achieved, then ease back—again beginning the
motion when the blades are in the water. When you do this, let your team know, so that they
can accommodate with a handle-height adjustment.
Similarly, in a crosswind, a comment like, “I’ve got the tiller set slightly to port to keep us
going straight in this crosswind” keeps your team in tune with why the boat feels the way it
does.
Technique #3: Full tiller with possible assistance from your team
In head racing you often have to navigate some serious curves. For starters, your coach
should review the course with the team and prepare everyone for strategizing for these turns.
You will have to steer smoothly over several strokes, and may even need to “set the tiller”
full port or full starboard. As you approach a major corner, let your team know it’s coming
up. Tell them when you begin to steer: “I’m starting the Weeks Bridge corner to port…I’m
at full tiller,” Tell them if you plan to use their power: “Starboards get ready to hit it…
NOW”). If you need your other side to row with less pressure to make the turn, let them
know. As the turn is completed, tell the team when to return to “even pressure” and that you
are straightening the boat out.
Coxing the HOCR
Steering Technique for Head Racing 5
©2002-Present Yasmin Farooq. All rights reserved.
Steering a Bowloader
With bowloaders, and today’s typical steering technology, the steering lever needs to be moved
quite a bit to get a response from the tiller. That, combined with the fact that you’re probably in a
four, a less stable boat than an 8+, means that you most likely have to steer using Technique #2, on
the DRIVE. You may have to hold the tiller in place until the change of direction is achieved, and
then steer carefully back to center, again initiating on the drive. A sternloaded four can be steered
as 8+’s. Again, when in a situation where you suddenly need to respond immediately, the bottom
line is to steer however you have to - as soon as possible. Let your team know if you have time.
Bowloader Steering Set-up
Coaches: Please set-up the steering so that when the lever is moved towards starboard, the boat
actually turns to starboard (same set-up as an eight). This is safer for everybody on the water.
Imagine if someone changed your launch steering wheel so that your boat went to the right every
time you turned to the left.
Quick note: If your cox has been practicing with your current boat set up differently, don’t make
this change until after the regatta so that you have time to re-train. If you are borrowing a boat that
is set-up one way and your cox is used to steering with it the other way, ask if you can switch the
ropes for your race for the sake of safety. The Charles is one of the toughest courses in the world.
You don’t want to endanger other crews by having your coxswain steer the opposite of what is
familiar.
6 Coxing the HOCR Steering Technique for Head Racing
©2002-Present Yasmin Farooq. All rights reserved.
Steering Directions for the Head of the Charles©
Three Miles, Seven Bridges, and a Serpentine Course
By Yasmin Farooq, with classic highlights from former U.S. Team Coxswain Geoffrey Knauth
Start “1-mile down” buoy, is midway between
The starting chute will set you up perfectly River Street and Western Avenue on the
to enter the correct arch of the BU Bridge Cambridge shore.
(2nd arch from the Cambridge shore). Keep
at least two lengths between yourself and It’s a straight shot down the Powerhouse
the boat in front of you as you enter the stretch through two bridges, so point on the
starting chute at the BU Boathouse. You do center of the arch you have chosen. If you
not want to catch anyone going into the BU took the right hand (Cambridge) arch for
Bridge because there isn’t enough room to River Street, stay in the right hand arch for
execute a pass before or through the bridge. Western Avenue. (The MIT coaches
The arch next to the Cambridge shore is measured this stretch, and it is exactly the
“Out of Bounds” and will incur a 60- same distance to Weeks Bridge as the
second penalty for your crew if you take course through the center arches. If MIT
it. As Geoffrey Knauth notes in his steering measured it, I believe them—enough said.
plan for this course, “Get a good start, but Plus, the right hand arch actually makes for
a milder approach heading into the
make sure you settle into a strong and upcoming Weeks Bridge).
sustainable rhythm as you go through the
B.U. Bridge. Crews that extend the frenetic
pace of the start past the B.U. Bridge often As you exit Western Avenue, let your team
fizzle early.” know where you are relative to other crews
for the upcoming Weeks Bridge turn. If you
strategize well here, you can set yourself up
As soon as you come out of the BU Bridge for a clean approach through the sharpest
you’ll begin a gradual corner to starboard turn on the course, the Legendary Weeks.
around Magazine Beach. You can hug the
green buoys off starboard here, but keep Weeks Bridge Approach
your eyes peeled for small boats launching Once you emerge from the Western Avenue
from Magazine Beach and drifting buoys Bridge, you want to point on the Blue
that may have become dislodged. Missing a Dome/Tower, which is directly above
buoy is a 10-second penalty. where the Weeks Bridge meets the Cam-
bridge shore. However, the apex of the or-
As you come around the last part of the ange buoy line typically extends out to star-
turn--just before Riverside Boathouse--ease board of this point, so first, you’ll need to
out to port to line up for a straight shot point on the outermost edge of that buoy
through the center arches of the bridges in line, so that you don’t illegally cross it.
the Powerhouse Stretch. Note that this When you get to that edge, you can then ad-
stretch can be windy. If there’s heavy just your point to where the Weeks Bridge
traffic bound for the center arch of River meets the Cambridge shore (directly below
Street, the right-hand (Cambridge shore) the Blue Dome, which disappears as you
arch is just as quick. The yellow triangular get closer). You’ll see a large bright & light
Coxing the HOCR Steering the Head of the Charles© 7
©2002-Present Yasmin Farooq & Geoffrey Knauth. All rights reserved.
green tree on the very edge of the Cam- Now, if you took the Cambridge shore
bridge shore—not the drooping tree—it’s arches through the Powerhouse stretch
after that. It’s tall and upright and a much leading up to Weeks, your turn should still
lighter color than the trees around it. It begin near the “Turning Tree,” although
stands out. That is the best marker to begin your actual turn through the Weeks won’t
the Weeks Bridge turn. When you’re 10 be as sharp. Your goal is still to emerge
strokes from that tree, ease to port until from Weeks Bridge pointed on the center
you’re pointed on the abutment on the star- arch of Anderson Bridge. Finally, the right
board side of the center arch (there’s a big hand arch of the Weeks is an option, but it
concrete oval on it). As you approach the is an absolute last resort, as it takes you
tree tell your crew you’re about to begin the seriously off course and puts you right up
turn. against the rocks of the Cambridge river-
bank..
When you come level with this tree, start
the turn to port. If your tiller is designed for
When you’re midway between the Weeks
sprint racing, and doesn’t turn very well,
Bridge and Anderson Bridge you’re at the
start a few strokes sooner. I recommend
Halfway Mark of the race.
using pressure from your starboard rowers
as it is indeed a 90-degree turn. Call them
Just before your next bridge, you’ll pass
in as needed (more so in an eight than a
Reunion Village on the Boston Shore. A
four) so that you cut the corner for the most
note from Geoffrey to use some external
part before the actual bridge. You want to
motivation if need be: “Listen for the
emerge from the Weeks Bridge pointed on announcer to say something about you. It
the center arch of Anderson. If you take the might give you a boost if they say some-
corner perfectly, your port blades will be thing nice, so row your best.”
very near the port abutment of the center
arch as you exit the Weeks, and you’ll actu- Your next turn is a medium one back to
ally be just off the orange buoy line on your starboard through the Anderson Bridge.
port side. A quick note here: the goal is to You must take the center arch. The right-
EXIT next to the port abutment, NOT enter hand (Cambridge shore) arch is “Out of
next to the port abutment. This is true even Bounds” and will earn you a 60-second
for single scullers. If you use the correct penalty if you take it. Start the turn a few
points, you’ll enter the center of the arch strokes before the Anderson Bridge. I like
and exit near the port abutment. Hugging to use my ports to bring it around quickly.
the inside of the turn as you approach the Your point as you come out of the bridge
bridge is inviting “Weeks’ Revenge”— should be the orange buoys marking the
you’ll lose serious time and may cause a outer edge of The Big Turn. Depending on
collision for another crew that has taken the the light, they may be tough to see.
turn correctly. Worse case scenario, you If so, point just to the right edge of the tall
may crash into the Cambridge shore upon white apartment building above it until the
exit. If you enter the Weeks next to the port buoys come into view).
abutment you will be forced to do the entire
90-degree turn AFTER the bridge, and will
take a major detour before being able to
head on the upcoming Anderson Bridge.
8 Coxing the HOCR Steering the Head of the Charles©
©2002-Present Yasmin Farooq & Geoffrey Knauth. All rights reserved.
An excellent point from Geoffrey: “After As you enter Eliot Bridge, your next turn is
Anderson, the classic mistake is to get to starboard, and you want to go through
sucked in to port too close to Harvard’s the bridge at a diagonal emerging next to
Newell Boathouse, not realizing that New- the Belmont Hill boathouse on the Cam-
ell is in a little bay of its own, and the red bridge riverbank on the right. You’ll see a
buoys follow a concave shore line, only to few green buoys there protecting the launch
come out to the true course again after area. If you aim to have your starboard oars
500m or so. So, stay away from those red near or over the last green buoy, you’ll cut
port buoys after Anderson. You can visit a beautiful approach into a nice tight corner
Newell Boathouse at some other point; not to starboard for the last turn of the race.
during your race.” As you round the turn to starboard after
Belmont Hill, keep hugging the wooded
Between Anderson Bridge and the Big Turn Cambridge shore. Another good point from
you’ll see the yellow cone off to starboard Geoffrey, “Don't get caught on the out-
marking ‘Two Miles down.’ This is side of that last turn, or it will cost you
Monastery Bay, because the marker is 15 to 30 seconds, and probably half a
typically right by the doors of the dozen positions in the finishing order.”
Monastery of St. Mary and St John on the
Cambridge shore. From former HOCR
Assistant Director Chris Kerber: “I’m sure Your blades can be as close as five feet off
there is plenty of praying on and off the of the bank and you’ll be fine. The two
water there.” One mile to go! yellow triangle buoys of the finish line will
emerge once you round that final bend.
As you close in on the peak of the Big Aim between the buoys and finish strong.
Turn, you can put your port blades over the I’ve used the wooden walking bridge on the
orange buoy line for the tightest turn. Be Boston shore as a gauge for the last 20, but
wary of boats on the other side of the buoy know that if you race in the afternoon and
line that are warming up or cooling down. it’s sunny, there can be quite a bit of glare
At the end of the Big Turn, there is a brief, there, making that boardwalk tough to see.
but deceptively sharp turn to port just be-
fore the Eliot Bridge. As you enter “Dead Once you cross the line, make sure to keep
Man’s Curve” be prepared to use some paddling until you clear the actual finish
starboard pressure for a few strokes to help line area. Traffic is prone to stack up here
you accomplish this just before you enter and stopped boats can impede crews in the
the actual bridge. final strokes of the sprint. Getting a penalty
after the finish line if you steered a fantastic
There will be more “stroke-by-stroke” course would be a bummer. Paddle down.
commentary from the shore as you approach Your rowers will feel better for it later any-
Eliot. From Geoffrey: “Going by way!
Cambridge Boat Club to starboard, listen
again for an announcer to mention you by GOOD LUCK!
name. With half a mile to go, you want all
the moral support you can get.”
Coxing the HOCR Steering the Head of the Charles© 9
©2002-Present Yasmin Farooq & Geoffrey Knauth. All rights reserved.abutment you will be
Dangerous forced toin
Spots doDetail
the entire and
90-degree turn AFTER
Tactics fortheHandling
bridge, and will
Themtake a major detour before
being able to head on the upcoming Anderson Bridge.
BU took the Make
If youBridge: sureshore
Cambridge to have a through
arches two-length gap between
the Powerhouse yourself
stretch leading and
up tothe boatyour
Weeks, in front of you
turn should still
as you
begin enter
near the starting
the “Turning chute.
Tree,” You
although absolutely
your actual turn do NOTthewant
through Weeksto won’t
catchbea as
crew before
sharp. the BU
Your goal is still to
Bridge because
emerge from Weeksthere’s
Bridge not enough
pointed on theroom
centerto pass
arch them before
of Anderson orLast
Bridge. through thethe
thought, narrow arch.
right hand arch of the
Weeks is an option, but it is an absolute last resort, as it takes you seriously off course and puts you right up
against the rocks of the Cambridge riverbank.
Magazine Beach: Small boats still launch from here, so keep an eye out on starboard, especially
if you are the first boat in your event, or if there is a large gap between your boat and the
When you’re midway between the Weeks Bridge and Anderson Bridge you’re at the Halfway Mark of the race.
one in front of you.
Just before your next bridge, you’ll pass Reunion Village on the Boston Shore. A note from Geoffrey to use some
externalStreet
River motivation if need be: Avenue
& Western “Listen forBridges:
the announcer
ThetoPowerhouse
say somethingstretch
about you.
is aItgood
might place
give you
fora passing,
boost if
they say something nice, so row your best.”
but know that you can only fit two boats safely through the center arches. Even with two boats
going through prepare for blades hitting one another, which can force boats off course and into
Your next turn is a medium one back to starboard through the Anderson Bridge. You must take the center arch.
the
The abutments. Try to avoid
right-hand (Cambridge shore) aarch
three-boat
is “Out ofsituation
Bounds” andif atwill
allearn
possible. If therepenalty
you a 60-second is congestion
if you takeinit.the
center
Start the turn a few strokes before the Anderson Bridge. I like to use my ports to bring it around quickly.the
arch, use the right-hand arches of River Street & Western Avenue. It is exactly Your same
distance
point as youtocome
the Weeks Bridge,
out of the and the
bridge should be approach to themarking
the orange buoys center the
arch of edge
outer the Weeks is actually
of The Big a lit-
Turn. Depend-
ing gentler
tle on the light, they may
if you’re be toughout
coming to see. If so,
of the pointhand
right on the rightofedge
arch of the tall
Western white apartment building above
Avenue
it (this building will become more apparent as you near the turn).
Weeks Bridge:
An excellent Being
point from forced“After
Geoffrey: to theAnderson,
outside of
the this 90-degree
classic mistake iscorner to port
to get sucked is port
in to a worst caseto Har-
too close
scenario. Avoid three-boats going through the arch at all costs. The outside boat will
vard’s Newell Boathouse, not realizing that Newell is in a little bay of its own, and the red buoys followa beconcave
forced
off course to starboard. Many crews in this situation are unable to recover and head straight
shore line, only to come out to the true course again after 500m or so. So, stay away from those red port buoys af- into
the rocky Cambridge riverfront. If decreasing power for 5 strokes enables
ter Anderson. You can visit Newell Boathouse at some other point; not during your race.” you to avoid a
collision and get a better line through the bridge, you’ll ultimately save yourself from losing
several
Between boatlengths.
Anderson Bridge and the Big Turn you’ll see the yellow cone off to starboard marking ‘Two Miles
down.’
Anderson Bridge: The consequences may not as brutal as Weeks, but three boats through this
As you close in on the peak of the Big Turn, you can put your port blades over the orange buoy line for the tightest
arch can be ugly. The corner is to starboard, but then you’ll be preparing to turn to port. If you
turn. Be wary of boats on the other side of the buoy line that are warming up or cooling down. At the end of the
pass a crew
Big Turn, thereon
is athe inside
brief, (starboardsharp
but deceptively side)turn
before
to portor through
just thisEliot
before the bridge, make
Bridge. You sure you’ve
may want got
to use
enough speed to get ahead before the Big Turn to port. Depending on how you catch
some starboard pressure for a few strokes to help you accomplish this just before you enter the actual bridge. someone
here, your best bet may be to tail them through the actual corner, then shoot by them on their
Thereside
port will be more
after the“stroke-by-stroke”
bridge. Warning, shoredon’t
side commentary
get suckedastoo youfar
approach
to portEliot.
hereFrom Geoffrey: “Going
by following by
the Boston
Cambridge Boat Club to starboard, listen again for an announcer to
shoreline. Make a beeline for the outermost orange buoys of the Big Turn ahead.mention you by name. With half a mile to
go, you want all the moral support you can get.”
Big
As youTurn: Getting
enter Eliot forced
Bridge, to the
your next turnoutside of this and
is to starboard, corner is a long,
you want painfulthe
to go through and mentally
bridge disturbing
at a diagonal
situation.
emerging next If to
youthebelieve
Belmont you’re slowlyonclosing
Hill boathouse on a crew
the Cambridge coming
riverbank outright.
on the of the Anderson
You’ll see a fewBridge,
green
try
buoysto there
get ahead of them
protecting before
the launch area.the Bigaim
If you Turn. You
to have dostarboard
your have the option
oars near ortoover
pass thethem on the
last green inside
buoy,
you’ll
if youcut a beautiful
catch them,approach
but if the into a niceyou’re
crew tight corner
passingto starboard
doesn’tforgivethe last
youturn of the room,
enough race. you can clip a
buoy.
As youThe roundturntheis turn
verytoblind just before
starboard the Eliot Hill,
after Belmont Bridge,keepandhugging
crews that are warming
the wooded up and
Cambridge
cooling down can drift into your path, or at least hit your blades
shore. Another good point from Geoffrey, “Don't get caught on the outside of that last if you’re too close to the turn,
buoy
line.
or it will cost you 15 to 30 seconds, and probably half a dozen positions in the finishing or-
der.”
Eliot Bridge:
Your blades can beThis is a asvery
as close five nasty
feet offspot.
of the The
banksharp turnbetofine.
and you’ll portThebefore the bridge
two yellow triangleemerges
buoys of the
suddenly. The situation is complicated by crews launching from
finish line will emerge once you round that final bend. Aim between the buoys and finish strong.Cambridge BoatI’ve
Clubusedonthethe
near
wooden side of thebridge
walking bridge,
on theand crews
Boston launching
shore as a gauge from Winsor
for the last 20,& butBelmont
know thaton the race
if you other sideafternoon
in the of the
bridge. Try tothere
and it’s sunny, getcanoutbeofquite
anyaentanglements
bit of glare there, from
making the Big
that Turn before
boardwalk tough to this
see.corner. Most of the
worst crashes of the race occur here!
Once you cross the line, make sure to keep paddling at least 20 strokes, and clear the actual finish line area. Traffic
10 is prone to
Coxing thstack
e HOCRup here and stopped boats can impede crews in the final strokes of the sprint. Getting
Dangerous Spotsa in penalty
Detailthe
finish line if you steered a fantastic course would be a bummer. Paddle down. Your rowers will feel better for
©2002-Present Yasmin Farooq & Geoffrey Knauth. All rights reserved. itDevising a Passing Plan
Start out by breaking down the racecourse into segments. Here’s how I break down the
Head of the Charles©:
1. Start chute through BU Bridge
2. Magazine Beach to Riverside Boathouse
3. Powerhouse Stretch through Western Avenue Bridge
4. Western Avenue set-up for Weeks Bridge
5. Weeks exit to Anderson Bridge
6. Anderson Bridge exit to top of the Big Turn
7. Around the Big Turn
8. Exit of Big Turn through Eliot Bridge
9. Around final turn to Finish Line
For every section of the racecourse ask yourself, “What is the shortest distance between
these two points if I had no traffic on the course?”
Then, devise how to set yourself up for that fastest path. A huge part of passing is
selecting the smartest line, and then determining where you should jockey for position
to be able to maintain that line. Here are the same segments, but now with the strategy I
implement to maintain my “best line”►►►
Coxing the HOCR Devising a Passing Plan 11
©2002-Present Yasmin Farooq. All rights reserved.HOCR Passing Plan: General Strategy
1. Start chute through BU Bridge
· Make sure a two-length margin between boats. No passing before bridge.
· Next turn is to Starboard.
2. Magazine Beach to Riverside Boathouse
· Stay to starboard to keep inside around turn, then straight shot.
· Select center or starboard arch depending on traffic.
3. Powerhouse Stretch through Western Avenue Bridge
· Jockey for position through bridges.
· You’ve got about 1000m to figure out who you can get ahead of for Weeks…
· …or, if someone behind is gaining quickly that you may have to contend with.
4. Western Avenue set-up for Weeks Bridge
· Deal with the traffic as you need to, to stay true to the points. A correct turn here
can make or break the outcome of this race.
· If you are ½ a length ahead or more of another crew, make sure you get open water
before the Weeks so you can maintain your points.
· If you are level, or behind and being moved on, consider going to ½ pressure for a
few strokes so that you can maintain the prescribed points.
5. Weeks exit to Anderson Bridge
· If you are passing someone make sure you clear them before Anderson so you can
have the inside of the upcoming turn to starboard.
· If you are duking it out with someone and get stuck on the outside (port), it’s OK if
you can get ahead just after the Anderson Bridge.
6. Anderson Bridge exit to top of the Big Turn
· Long, gradual turn to port coming up—imperative that you don’t get stuck on the
outside.
· You have about 250 meters to figure out how to get the inside (port) before the
crews converge at the start of the turn. Many crews fizzle during this stretch, so
even if you are passed, fall in behind them, or get to their port side if there’s room.
· Be prepared to take a 15 or 20 here to claim your spot if you’re running even speed
with another crew.
7. Around the Big Turn
· If you catch someone on this turn, make sure you make your passing intentions
obvious (especially if in a bowloader racing against bowloaders).
· As you’re passing boats here, keep in mind that you want to try to clear these crews
before “Deadman’s Curve.”
8. Exit of Big Turn through Eliot Bridge—Deadman’s Curve
· Try to set yourself up to go single file going through the bridge.
· Cut diagonally through the bridge, port to starboard to pick up final turn to star-
board. If you pick up a crew to pass for the final turn, get on their starboard side
immediately after the bridge.
9. Around final turn to Finish Line
· Hug shore around final starboard shore.
· As soon as you see the yellow triangular cones, pick a beeline shot right between
them. You can cleanly pass boats on either side here in the home stretch.
Coxing the HOCR
12 Devising a Passing Plan
©2002-Present Yasmin Farooq. All rights reserved.Proactive Passing (and Giving Way) START CHUTE
from the Coxswain’s Seat
As soon as you see the Starting Order for your
event, it’s worth sitting down with your coach
and taking some time to evaluate who you may
catch (as well as who may catch you) over the
course of the race. Here’s the main thing to keep
in mind: Your team will most likely race its
fastest time by having as little interaction with
other teams as possible. And that’s why you
need to be very strategic in handling every
passing situation.
1
2
Bridge Traffic Diagrams
3
Start Line
S
4
BU Bridge / Railroad ST
STREET BOSTON 5 CAMBRIDGE
6
7
8
9
1
1
1
1
River Street QU
1
1
1
1
Western Avenue
Points to review…
Weeks How to Pass Another Crew.
NOT RECOMMENDED
Tricky Passing Situations.
Lars Anderson
When to Increase Pressure.
Eliot
Strategy When You’re Being Passed.
NOT RECOMMENDED
When to Decrease Pressure.How to Avoid Penalties and Collisions
John M. Lambert
Director of the Head Of The Charles, Inc, and Chair of Rules and Appeals Committee.
The entire racecourse is watched by teams of Umpires located on every bridge and at
every bend. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the racing over the difficult
HOCR course is conducted safely. Their second responsibility is to ensure that the
racing is fair, and that crews follow the racing rules. Penalties for interference are
severe, to encourage crews not to interfere with each other, and to avoid collisions.
Tips for avoiding collisions and penalties:
1. Read the Official Handbook, paying particular attention to the Traffic Rules,
Traffic Patterns and Racing Rules.
2. At Start Line, it is no advantage for a faster crew to close upon a slower crew be-
fore crossing the start line. Apart from risking a penalty by disobeying the
Starter’s instructions, the first bridge arch is barely wide enough for two crews to
pass, and so attempting to overtake a slower crew under the first bridge will
likely result in interference.
3. If a slow crew, or a collision between two or more crews, completely blocks your
way, you will not get to the finish line any faster by “piling on”. In fact, you may
damage your boat, and may incur a penalty for disregard of safety. Slowing
down, stopping for a couple of strokes, or taking a very wide course costs less
time than a hole in the boat, or a 60-second penalty.
- Race hard, but use common sense on the racecourse - think safety!
4. Fours with bow-loader coxswains:
You are strongly advised to ensure that the bow-rower communicates with the
coxswain, if being caught up by another faster crew, so that the coxswain can be
aware of what side the faster boat is approaching, and steer appropriately to allow
the faster boat to safely pass without interference.
Similarly, if you have just overtaken a slower boat, communication between bow
and coxswain can help prevent you from cutting across the bow of the slow boat
before you have clear water (many penalties on fast fours are caused by such
interference with the boat that was just passed).
14 Coxing the HOCR How to Avoid Penalties and Collisions
©2002-Present John M. Lambert. All rights reserved.Rules of Racing
General Responsibilities (guidance to Crews and Scullers): The Charles River is a narrow
course with many tight turns. Good sportsmanship is expected at all times and costly penalties
have been assigned in the past in cases of bad sportsmanship. The ability to accomplish effective
and safe passing is an important aspect of successful racing. However, there are many
situations when passing cannot be accomplished safely due to traffic congestion and physical
obstacles. The following are the basic responsibilities of scullers and crews in these situations:
(i). The boat overtaking (Passer) has the right of way to pass (on the side of its choice) if a safe
pass can be accomplished. However, crews and scullers must take note of the following:
A. If a pass is attempted and there is not adequate room and time to perform the pass, the
Passer is at risk of incurring interference penalties.
B. In situations involving three and more boats, there are areas such as bridge arches and
narrow, tight turns where passing cannot be accomplished safely. In these situations the
Passer must be prudent and delay the act of passing until the pass can be accomplished
without incident. The wise sculler or crew knows that more time can be lost by pressing
a situation rather than by slowing down and waiting for the right moment to pass.
C. Communicate effectively during racing. All shells with bow-loaded coxswains are
strongly advised to have their bow seat rower notify the coxswain when there is clear
water astern after completing the pass. Timely instruction from the bow seat rower may
assist the Passer’s coxswain in avoiding stern-to-bow collision and/or an interference
penalty due to cutting in too soon.
(ii). The boat being overtaken (Overtakee) must yield and give suitable room to the Passer (on
the side chosen by the Passer) if a safe pass can be accomplished. Generally this will be the
shortest line that gives an advantage. Failure to yield to the Passer is one of the most serious
infractions of competitive conduct. Crews and scullers must:
A. Be alert to possible upcoming passing attempts and promptly yield when there is
adequate room and time.
B. Be prepared to miss a few strokes to allow the Passer to pass safely and without
interference.
C. Communicate effectively during racing. All shells with bow-loaded coxswains are
strongly advised to have their bow seat rower notify the coxswain if a following crew is
about to make a pass. Timely instruction from the bow seat rower may assist the cox-
swain in avoiding an interference penalty.
(iii). Respect for the safety of other competitors and their equipment must be observed at all
times. At no time should an oar be used in anger toward another crew or competitor.
(iv). While racing, boats must proceed at a racing pace along the entire course, except where
safety considerations dictate otherwise. Any boat whose time is more than 10 minutes slower
than that of the fastest time in its event-division may be recorded as "did not finish."
Coxing the HOCR How to Avoid Penalties and Collisions
©2002-Present HOCR. All rights reserved.
156
Head Racing Strategy
Strategy in a Nutshell
This should be PRE-determined by and/or with your coach and should take into account
the following:
· Your team’s strengths and fitness level
· Places on the course where you can attack or gain time
· Course conditions
· Anticipating unexpected situations (three boats going through a bridge when
there’s only room for two, being forced to the outside on a corner)
· Possible unforeseen factors (crabs, non-racing boats crossing your path, recovery
from collisions)
Pacing Your Crew Over the Course
A few quick reminders here on making sure your team starts strong AND stays strong:
¨ Make sure that you truly lengthen out to the race pace that you have practiced. The
“electric” Charles atmosphere causes many rookie crews to go out too hard—and
pay later (usually in the quiet stretch around the Big Turn)!
¨ ‘Adrenaline Situations” occur when your crew naturally bumps up the intensity and
rating during a pass or going through a bridge. That’s OK—just make sure to
lengthen them back to race pace once the pass or obstacle has been completed.
¨ There can be some big winds and rough waters in the basin, the Powerhouse Stretch,
and in the last 500 meters. If your race pace drops a beat or two in these stretches,
and you’re moving better, stick with the rhythm and don’t sweat the rating.
¨ When in a potential quiet stretch of the course (usually right after you exit Anderson
Bridge), motivational calls for “crews that are out of sight” and “racing the clock”
are good reminders to help keep the rhythm strong and the intensity alive. The race
is often won or lost in this stretch.
¨ Stationing a cheering squad on the Boston shore of the Big Turn can provide your
crew with an extra lift.
Coxing the HOCR Head Racing Strategy 17
©2002-Present Yasmin Farooq. All rights reserved.Gauging Your Success
A good approach to have when entering any head race is to expect the unexpected.
At the same time, mastering some of the essentials in practice will enable you to
keep a cool head when you encounter challenges on the course.
· Steering technique and effective tactical calls need to be automatic on race day
and can be learned and mastered in practice well in advance of racing.
· Knowledge of the course and strategy should be determined before race day.
· Acting and reacting to situations on the course, and keeping your cool under
pressure come with experience. Make sure your expectations of yourself are
realistic.
Finally, to give yourself the best feedback, record your races whenever possible.
Listening later—after the adrenaline of race day has passed--will enable you to
evaluate your performance with a clear head. It will also provide you with some
great memories years down the road. Good Luck and Have Fun!
COXSWAIN Camps, Clinics, Coaching
with 3-time Olympic Champion coxswain Mary Whipple
9thSeat.com
18 Coxing the HOCR Gauging Your Success
©2002-Present Yasmin Farooq. All rights reserved.Special Thanks:
V John Lambert – Chair of the HOCR’s Rules & Appeals Committee
V Fred Schoch - Exec. Dir., Head of the Charles Regatta
V Jane Hanlon - Registration, THANK YOU!!!
V Marlee Blue – THANK YOU!!!
V Nielsen-Kellerman – Awesome Sponsor.
V Concept 2 – Awesome Sponsor.
V Kane Larin & CRI – Awesome host.
CRI 20 Nonantum Road
Brighton, MA
You may contact Yaz at: coxswaination@gmail.com
Coxing the HOCR Special Thanks 19
©2002-Present Yasmin Farooq. All rights reserved.SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT
KNOW THE TRAFFIC AND RACE RULES
GOOD LUCK & HAVE FUN!
VISIT THE ELIOT BRIDGE ENCLOSURE! (by Aston Martin)
The Head Of The Charles Regatta is pleased to present the annual Eliot Bridge Enclosure, a
controlled-access hospitality tent. Patrons of the EBE will enjoy a distinctive dining
experience as well as premium beers, fine wines, & soda.
Location: The Enclosure will sit at the river’s edge, upstream of the Eliot Bridge, a short
walk from the Rowing and Fitness Expo and the Finish Area Launch Site (FALS).
Hours: The Enclosure will be open 8am-5pm Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets Include:
- Come-and-go access to the Enclosure
- Early morning coffee and breakfast items
- A delicious gourmet buffet luncheon
This unparalleled hospitality destination offers competitors, families, friends, & spectators a
relaxing oasis in the midst of one of the Regatta’s most bustling areas. Within the Enclosure,
high-end food offerings and sophistication meet the magnetic spirit of rowing that brings
athletes and spectators down to the banks of the Charles every October.
VISIT REUNION VILLAGE! (by Delta Air Lines)
The Village offers a fun and relaxed atmosphere located at the halfway point,
offering one of the BEST viewing sites on the racecourse! Everyone is welcome.
Admission: $10/Day, Drink Tickets – $7 each
Children under 12 are Free!. Open Sat. 8:30am-5pm & Sun. 8:30am-4:30pm
- Dining tent with food and refreshments.
- Play-by-play color commentary of the racing.
- Seating along the river for spectators.
The Village is located on the Boston side of the Charles River between the Weeks and Anderson Bridges.
*Beer Garden is presented by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.You can also read
