Due to the volume of entries, coxswains and crews must follow specific instructions to keep the regatta running safely and on time. Please review all materials carefully before and during the regatta. The full Head of the Hooch Rules of Racing are available here, and coxswains should pay particular attention to sections 8–12. All coxswains must also be familiar with USRowing rules of racing.

Friday Practice

Full practice rules and course traffic patterns are on the Racecourse page. Please review before race weekend.

Launch

• Assemble your crew at least 30 minutes before your race is called
• Place oars near the designated launch dock before your race
• Launch only when your race is called to avoid dock congestion
• Move quickly on and off the dock when instructed by the Dockmaster
• Row away from the dock immediately as the Tennessee River current can push your crew back onto the dock

Rowing to the Start

• Row to the start without delay
• Stay pointed upstream at each buoy station near the start
• Arrive at Buoy #1 10–15 minutes before your scheduled race
• At Buoy #1, stay within five bow numbers of those around you
• The Marshal will send groups of 10 boats to the next buoy — row on the paddle when instructed
• Remove warm-up gear before receiving the instruction to cross the river
• You will cross the river in groups of five

Start

• Once across the river, row toward the start chute in numerical order
• Follow the crew ahead by about one length of open water
• Speed up or slow down as instructed by the Marshal 200 meters upstream of the start
• Build to full pressure and race pace before the start line
• Do not catch up with the boat ahead of you in the start chute

Enjoy your race!