The Winnipeg Rowing Club and Manitoba Rowing Association are joining together to host an annual racing tradition in downtown Winnipeg. “Head of the Red” welcomes local athletes and visiting teams to compete on the Red River.
Head of the Red Regatta
Saturday, September 26
Racing begins @ 9:00am
Winnipeg Rowing Club @ 20 Lyndale Drive
**Come out and watch the races – no charge!**
RACING FORMAT
After a summer of sprint racing in the rowing world, with courses varying from 500-2000 meters, ‘head races’ start up in the fall. These competitions consist of longer, slower distances, ranging from 4000-6000 meters. The Head of the Red – named after the Red River – offers a 6000 meter course.
In order to make the regatta more spectator-friendly… for the first time, the Head of the Red will be raced over three loops – each loop 2km long. Races will start and finish at the same point – beside the Winnipeg Rowing Club docks – and competitors will depart at 30-second intervals.
“On a normal 6000 meter course that races from end to end, you only see the boats for a short time when they pass you. So we decided to make this year’s regatta more fun to watch by designing the course in loops,” says Steven Taylor, head coach of the Winnipeg Rowing Club. “Each stretch is essentially 1000 meters long, so in one race, you’ll see each boat pass by six times. It should make for an exciting day of races.”
Awards will be presented to the fastest crews in each category, and prize money awarded to the overall fastest male and female scullers in single boats.
BEST PLACES TO WATCH THE RACES!
Members of the public are invited to come out and watch the races – no charge! The best vantage point for viewing will be from the deck overlooking the river at the Winnipeg Rowing Club. You will also get a great view from the Lyndale Drive park just south of the Winnipeg Rowing Club, from anywhere on the Norwood Bridge, or from either shore near the bridge. Racing begins at 9:00am, and will finish by 3:00pm.