Racecourse

The racecourse map shows the full course layout. (link)

The rotation is clockwise: the upstream route to the start is marked in green, the downstream racing route in red. Special markers and buoys will be in place at launch, return, start, finish, and throughout the course. Crossing the racecourse is not permitted.

For Tennessee River flow rate information, visit the TVA website at Chickamauga Dam or use the TVA Lake Info app. The organizing committee coordinates with TVA for race weekend.

Download Course Map PDF

River Traffic

The TVA has agreed to close the Tennessee River to all commercial and personal watercraft for race weekend, which is a significant help in safely managing the volume of entries.

Narrow Sections

Crews should be aware of several narrow sections on the course:

• North Shore turn as boats proceed to the start line
• Start chute just past the start line — watch for the red steel channel marker
• Approaching the island near the finish
• At both bridges approaching the finish

Friday Practice

• The course is open for practice Friday, 12:00–6:00 PM (no launches before noon or after 5:00 PM). No practice is permitted on race days. Regatta marshals will be on the course throughout.
• Race traffic patterns apply during practice — stay left (port side). Violations may result in a 1-minute penalty or disqualification. All race weekend launch and recovery traffic patterns also apply.
• Crews in small boats (1x, 2x, 2-) may turn after the east end of the island and merge into the traffic pattern from the racing lane. Turning crews must yield to crews already in the pattern from the start area. Follow any instructions from course marshals.

Before Your Race

• Assemble your crew at least 30 minutes before your race is called.
• Place oars near the designated launch dock before your race. Check the race schedule posted on-site race day morning to confirm your launch dock. This is typically only relevant in the mornings when both launch and recovery docks are used for launching.
• Launch 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, especially when launching from the upstream side.
• Row to the start with purpose; comply promptly if officials ask you to move along. There is no time to wait for late crews.
• Start Marshals will direct you to hold at numbered buoy stations (marked by large triangular yellow buoys) upstream of the start.
• Arrive at Buoy #1 no earlier than 15 minutes and no later than 10 minutes before your race. Crews arriving too early and blocking others may be penalized.
• Sort into roughly numerical bow order as you approach Buoy #1; at the buoy you should be within five bow numbers of those around you.
• The Marshal will send groups of 10 to the next buoy. Row immediately on the paddle when instructed; exact bow number order is not required.
• Remove warm-up gear before being instructed to cross the river.

Getting to the Start

• Cross the river in groups of 3–5 when instructed; adjust your course to compensate for the current. Exact bow number order is not required. Move immediately when instructed.
• Once across, row toward the start chute in numerical order, following the crew ahead by about one length of open water.
• A marshal positioned approximately 200 meters before the start will space crews 15–20 seconds apart. Speed up or slow down as instructed. Novice crews should be especially attentive.
• Build to full pressure and race pace as you approach the start line; do not catch up to or pass another boat in the chute before the start. This will result in a penalty
• The start boat is positioned at the red steel channel marker, allowing a wider start chute and reducing the risk of contact with the marker.