[RRC] RRC Fall Sweep Rowing

[Gary Sloan]

9-5-08

To RRC Members:

The RRC 2008 Sweep Program has ended. For rowers who wish to do a little
sweep rowing after that, here are the guidelines. RRC does not run any
programs off-season and does not coordinate any off-season rowing
(coxswains, equipment, schedules, other rowers, etc.). As a result, any
sweep rowing in spring and fall requires organization by capable and
experienced RRC members following the guidelines laid out below.

Since UVa crews are now on the water, both mornings and evenings, all RRC
boats must give UVa crews priority on the dock, both launching and taking
out, and on the water. Also move your own boat quickly on/off the dock.

Be aware of where UVa crews are going and stay out of their way. Sometimes
the UVA coaches need, for training purposes, to use the water in special
ways: racing 3-4 eights abreast or putting out many pairs (boats that are
difficult to steer). The UVA coaches often advise RRC rowers of unusual
uses/circumstances, and all RRC rowers must steer clear in these cases.

Be sure to know and follow the rules of the waterway at all times.

1. 8+s:  There is no rowing in 8+s allowed at all outside of the coached
season. (There will be one exception made for one Wye Island practice.
Details will be sent to Wye rowers.)

2. 4+s:  RRC owns three 4+s: the Heron (medium-weight Vespoli), the Helen-T
(heavy-weight Vespoli) and the Brenda Myers (medium-weight Sykes). The Heron
may only be rowed by advanced sweep rowers. The Helen-T and the Brenda Myers
may be rowed by novice or advanced sweep rowers. Please pay attention to the
weight limits in all boats.

3. When you can row:  Novices may row Saturday afternoons and all day
Sunday. They may not row on weekdays. Advanced rowers may row anytime, but
must defer to UVa practice needs and schedules at all times.

3. Reservation book (located on the scullers' desk): You may reserve a boat
up to one week in advance. If none of the boats' rowers show up for a
reserved row, and you wish to row, you may take the boat.

4. Signout log: Before you row, be sure to sign out ALL boats on the white
board and in the sculler's log on the scullers desk.

5. Liability/Damage:  In the off-season, all rowers/coxswains are
responsible for any damage that occurs to any boats or other RRC equipment
while they are rowing them or taking them in or out of the house. If damage
occurs, please report it immediately to a board member. Joe Vanischak is
currently the Equipment Manager, but you can contact any board member. All
expenses incurred in the repair will be the responsibility of the
rowers/coxswain involved.

If you take a boat that you see has been damaged and that damage has not yet
been reported, contact Joe Vanischak immediately.

6. Lights:  All boats going out early or late must be equipped with WORKING
bow lights and flashers. RRC bow lights are usually available. We also have
some flashers, but if you row regularly, you should purchase your own
flasher. They cost about $10 and are available in any bike store.

7. Safety:  As the weather gets colder, the 4-oar rule goes in effect. Also,
be careful in fog, high winds and after heavy rains when the water can be
full of logs and other debris. Novice boats should not row at all after a
heavy rain until the river clears.

8. Coxswains:  Novice boats MUST have an experienced coxswain. NO
EXCEPTIONS. Please contact Gary Sloan or Scott Stoney for assistance in
locating an experienced coxswain.

Fall can be a great time to row, and if all rowers follow the rules, we can
enjoy a few more rows before the snow flies. Thanks for your cooperation.

Gary - RRC



 

 

 

 

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