Cardiff Small Boats Head

 

Information for Competitors

 

Directions

Cardiff Small Boats Head is run from Cardiff Yacht Club, Windsor Esplanade, Grangetown, Cardiff, CF10 5BG. 

From M4 junction 33 take A4232 towards Cardiff.  Dual carriage way will skirt western side of Cardiff and cross Cardiff Bay.  Immediately after crossing the Bay take small slip road (signposted Techniquest).   If you go into tunnel you have gone too far.  At top of slip road take second exit into Windsor Esplanade.  Cardiff Yacht Club is at the end of the terrace.

 

Car Parking

There is limited car parking at Cardiff Yacht Club.  Only trailers and vehicles carrying boats will be able to park in the club car park.  All other vehicles are asked to park in the Stuart Street multi-storey car park opposite Techniquest or the Havannah Street car park infront of the St Davids Hotel.

 

Numbers

Club captains only should collect the numbers and instructions and pay for all unpaid crews at race control on the ground floor of the clubhouse.  Numbers will be issued to a club when all details, monies etc are confirmed by the captain alone.

 

One number should be attached to the bow person of each crew and the other inserted into the empacher slot.  Boat numbers will be collected at the club pontoon on arrival (any missing will be charged to your club at £10/number.

 

Briefing

There will be a short briefing for captains, coxes and steersmen at 0920hrs outside the CYC clubhouse.

 

Boating

Last year we started both divisions on time.

 

Each boat must be on the water by the time given on your number.  Any late crews may be given a time penalty or prevented from boating.  Crews are advised to take warm clothing to the start.

Crews should ensure that blades are placed beside the landing stage before they attempt to launch.  Boats should be walked to the stage bow first.

 

Division 1:

Crew numbers 1 – 29:         boat 0955 – 1025hrs

Crew numbers 31 – 60:      boat 0945 – 1010hrs

 

Division 2

Crew numbers 61 – 89:      boat 1220 – 1255hrs

Crew numbers 90 – 131:    boat 1210 – 1240hrs

 

Boat Checks

Each crew is responsible for ensuring that its boat is safe and river worthy.  Bow balls, buoyancy, heel restraints, buoyancy aides etc should be in order.

 

Rowing to start

The river will be closed to other traffic only during racing.  Therefore follow the normal rules of navigation when rowing up to the start. 

From the stage pass through the central arches of the flyover and between the red and green buoys in mid river.  After passing the boom on your bowside/ starboard keep to that side of the river. 

When reaching the railway tunnels pass upstream only through the first tunnel (City side) and clearly marked by signs above each tunnel. 

Line up for the start with bows pointing upstream in number order, no. 1 furthest upstream.

 

 

Racing (See the race map)

Boats will be called to the start in order by the marshals.  Quickly turn your boat around the turning buoy and when instructed proceed downstream, building up to race pace as you pass the start.  Give way to overtaking crews and obey umpire and marshals instructions.

First bridge: only pass through 2nd arch (closest to stadium).

Tunnels: pass through any of the 3 tunnels on the stadium side

After Clarence Road Bridge stay on bowside/ starboard half of river (to avoid the boom).  Pass tanks in middle of river on your strokeside/ port and keep in the channel between the red and green buoys.

 

Finish

The finishing line is between the shore (large “finish” sign) and the second bridge pier.  Finishing outside this line is longer and may incur time penalties. 

Row through the finish, turn and head to the stage.  DO NOT STOP on the finish.

 

Pennants

A winners pennant will be awarded to the fastest crew in each category (across both divisions) where there are 3 or more crews racing.

 

Changing rooms

Changing rooms, showers and toilets are available in the groundfloor of the clubhouse

 

Refreshments

Hot drinks and snacks will be available in the Cardiff City RC Boat Sheds.

Hot foods and bar drinks will be available upstairs in the clubhouse.

 

First Aid

A St John Ambulance crew will provide first aid cover at the yacht club.

 

Emergency Contacts

In emergency contact the race organiser, Paul Harvey (tel 07800 887503).