A new format for Marlow Regatta

Following the launch of British Rowing’s Competition Review, a number of regattas are set to try out new ways of racing this summer.

One of those events is Marlow Regatta – to be held on Dorney Lake in June. Find out more about the changes for 2014 from Regatta Chairman Peter Blaseby and Race Committee Chairman Richard Phillips…

“You may be wondering why we have changed from the traditional racing format to a Time Trial followed by A, B, C etc. finals for all events. We believe this will lead to more exciting races for competitors and spectators with the fastest crews winning. Even if the finals cannot take place, all crews will be classified.

“The past two years were extremely challenging. The crosswinds made it very difficult to maintain the racing timetable as some crews were unable to get onto the start pontoon without considerable help from the starters and umpires, and the lane draw for finals was compromised by the wind shadow.

“We have also been told that some club crews believe they are at a training disadvantage, so we have decided to offer separate racing in IM3 eights for clubs, schools and colleges. This is similar to the classification of events at Henley and will provide a better racing for all of these crews.

“Regrettably, another change this year has been forced upon us by the unavailability of Dorney Lake for Sunday racing.  This means we cannot continue with our 1000m racing for Masters which had become increasingly popular over the past three years. However the new format does mean that they can still race competitively – even though it is a longer distance – because their final races will be between crews with very similar times.

“We hope that you come to this new Marlow Regatta. Our experience of organising the 500-crew Thames Valley Trial Head has proved that we can manage a time trial for more crews than we expect to enter. In some ways it is an experiment because of the format change but, having consulted clubs, coaches and experienced officials, we are confident that are we have made the right decision.”

The 2014 Marlow Regatta will be held on Saturday 21st June – entries close on Wednesday 11th June. To find out more, visit www.themarlowregatta.com.