Dear All,
(Captains - please forward to / discuss with your coaches)
There have been several instances in the last couple of weeks or so
where crews have made some very poor overtakes - particularly when
running late heading downstream to the lock during the evening
changeover period! Most have been without consequence, some have caused
obstruction to oncoming crews though fortunately I'm not yet aware of
one that has caused injury or serious damage.
I'd like to remind you of the following points:
1) The river is NOT a one-way system - irrespective of the time of day
there will probably be other boats travelling in the opposite direction.
Remember that town crews are not bound by lighting up/down times.
2) In order to overtake another crew, you MUST be able to see enough of
the river to move to the other side, row past and get back to your side,
all the time being CERTAIN that you will not obstruct any oncoming
boats. At this time of year there's a good chance that that oncoming
boat will be a men's 1st VIII at full chat.
3) The bankparty has a different point of view to the cox of a boat -
working together you can identify safe overtakes in some places where
the cox alone cannot.
4) You must NOT overtake on a corner. Even if you have worked with your
coach to identify that there's no oncoming traffic, do you really trust
the other crew to steer a perfect line?
5) Coxes - before you move out to overtake, ask yourself whether you
would have time to complete the manouevre if an VIII appeared in the
distance, coming towards you at a normal speed for that part of the
river (e.g. paddling along Riverside, race pace in Plough Reach). Do you
have time to complete your overtake? Can your coach see more and help
you out? Can you safely overtake?
6) If another crew asks to 'come by', please don't deny them purely for
the sake of ego. If there's a queue ahead, or if you can see something
oncoming that they can't, or you think it's not a safe choice for some
other reason, by all means respond in the negative.
I well understand the desire to overtake a slower boat and get some
clear water to work at your own pace. However, in order to avoid further
clashes/damage, and to optimise traffic flow on the river, please ensure
that you are not taking chances and hoping that nothing is coming the
other way. Likewise, please cooperate when a faster crew is behind you -
don't hog the middle of the river and give a clear acknowledgement when
they ask to 'come by'.
I know that many of you cut it fine when heading down to the lock during
the changeover period. However, I'd much prefer to have people tutting
and rolling their eyes because you're there 5 minutes late than to hear
about a serious accident. That said, if you're passing under the railway
bridge at 6.57 you really should turn around and head back upstream
rather than treat the reserved hours with blatant disrespect.
Coxes - if your coach tells you to go past another crew, and you're not
sure, it's OK to hang back and choose not to pass. You might miss out on
a bit of clear water, but you can talk about it with your coach later
and make a more informed decision next time.
Coaches - talk to your coxes about overtaking, especially those with
less experience. Explain that on the approach to some corners you can
see further down the river than they can, and what clear instructions
you'll give as and when you think an overtake is safe and necessary.
Regards,
Mark Jacobs
CUCBC Safety Advisor
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