Strategizing for the Fish

Rowers:

Let's take a closer look at the 3200 meter race course on Fish Creek. The entire race course will be buoyed. Therefore, keep all buoys off to the port side of the eight. Do not cross the buoys because the oars will tangle easily in the ropes causing havoc.

There will be many boats circling in the warm up area. The start marshall will do his best to line you up. Coxswains, remember your bow number so it is easy to find your place in the starting order. Once you begin rowing towards the start, make sure you have enough time to build the boat's pressure from paddle to full BEFORE reaching the bridge. When crossing through the start line, there will be 600 meters to the turn.

At the turn, in addition to using your rudder, use pressure from the starboards and ports to ease the turn. It is uncertain how many strokes it will take before rowing even pressure again; therefore, do not count these strokes. When getting your point back on the straightaway, search for the best angle.

After the turn, the right-hand shore will go in and out. DO NOT FOLLOW IT. Instead, make a straight line, as shown in the graphic, which can become a nice 500 meter piece of the race.

The boats will, at this point, be in the straightaway. Again, do not follow the shoreline because it will not make the shortest course. Instead, make your point the finish line bridge in the distance. Also, make sure you do not cross over the buoy line.

Finally, the sprint. Coxswains, do not call the sprint too early. 350 meters will be sufficient. Prepare the rowers that as you get near the launching area the sprint will begin. Do not look out of the boat or get distracted by the noise. Focus in and row under the bridge, which is the finish line.

Coxswains, choose what you think will be the shortest and fastest course.