The Start Marshal will ask crews to line up in order of lanes. Crews will be asked to assist in holding their own position by pointing into the wind and touching lightly to maintain their position. Crews are to wait until asked to proceed by the Start Marshal before going to their starting gate. Starting There will be no polling of lanes. Lanes Each crew is responsible for maintaining a straight course from start to finish.
Crews are also responsible for avoiding a collision.
Officials provide steering instructions to a boat only in the interests of safety and collision-avoidance. They are NOT responsible for informing all crews of course problems. Clashing of blades and washed down crews will not be considered for protest. Crews experiencing steering problems that endanger themselves or another crew will be asked to stop rowing until told they may begin again. Failure to heed the official will result in immediate disqualification.