The Scullery has published guidance on how to approach and attach your boat to a stake-boat in windy conditions.

It’s aimed at coxswains, but coxless crews and single scullers are probably even more in need of this kind of info.

It’s also for a specific rowing course (Britain’s Lake Dorney, I think) but I imagine most of it is pertinent to any rowing course.

The 4-page document explains:

• how to approach the stake-boat in windy conditions
• how to back onto the stake-boat
• what to do if you become detached from the stake-boat
• how to move sideways in a crew boat by passing your blade forward
• the starting process
• the flag / traffic lights system.

One thing I’ve found different here in Australia is the colour of the traffic lights. Here, the lights change from red (Attention) to orange (Go), not red to green. Perhaps that’s to cater for people who are colour blind. I know it has caught some people out.

It also doesn’t mention the “2 minutes” call. My recent experience at the 2016 Australian Masters Rowing Championships was that the 2 minutes can be anything between a few seconds and a seemingly interminable 2 minutes. So, as soon as I hear the call, I like to sit forward with my blades covered, ready to go—assuming I’m on the right trajectory.

To be on the safe side, make sure you attend the pre-race briefing for your regatta, or get an update from someone who has.

The Scullery is “an independent organisation dedicated to the support and development of junior sculling at all levels in the United Kingdom”. Thanks to them for sharing this great info.

Download the document [PDF 164 kb]: JSR 2016 Stakeboat Starting

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Feature photo: Credit Rowing Queensland