Wolfson has two small boats, our double scull / straight pair “The Wolf”, and our single scull “Bernard Henry II”. We are glad our members have the opportunity to train on this kind of advanced equipment. Smaller boats present particular safety and logistical issues. The balance and steering needed to operate a small boat make it important to train properly before embarking. Additionally, as small boat outings are often organised outside of our typical training schedules, members must be careful to schedule outings so as not to conflict with other rowers.
The President is responsible for our small boats, and questions should be directed that way. In particular, each new crew must be approved by the President before their first outing. Every outing must be scheduled on the Small Boat Booking Page.
Klara Schure (s) and Nicky Huskens (b) enjoy a pair outing in The Wolf.
Rules Governing Small Boats
As used below, “small boat” refers to any rowing boat with fewer than four seats.
- You must have passed an OURCs swim test in order to use any small boat.
- You must have passed a Capsize Drill conducted by an ARA qualified instructor under ARA guidelines, and have notified the Safety Officer of the Boat Club of your having done so, in order to use any small boat.
- Each new crew (ie combination of people) must get permission from the President of the Boat Club before going out in a small boat for the first time.
- Small boats must be booked in advance for outings and regattas using the online system.
- At least one of the people rowing or sculling must have experience rowing or sculling in a small boat.
- At least one of the people rowing or sculling must have experience steering, preferably on the Isis.
- All users of the small boats must have read the OURCs ‘Rules of the River’ and must follow these rules.
- Small boats must always be left in a state in which any other boat club members can use them. Adjustments and alterations to the boats must be kept to a minimum, and equipment should not be taken from other boats unless absolutely necessary (and it is returned after the outing). If there is any problem with the boat, the Equipment Officer and President must be notified immediately.
- If any damage is caused to a small boat and/or associated equipment, or if any damage is noticed by users, the Equipment Officer and President must be notified immediately.
- Booking conflicts must be worked out in a fair manner by the users, with the assistance of the President if necessary.
- All users of small boats have equal priority, regardless of racing plans. However, if schedules conflict, users can discuss their training needs and racing schedule with the other users and with the assistance of the President if necessary to meet everyone’s needs.
- If members wish to enter a regatta in a small boat, they must inform the President, Regatta Secretary, and Captain to discuss plans for transportation, storage of the boat away from the Isis, and insurance.
- If any of the above rules are broken, the rowers will receive one warning, after which, if any rules are broken, permission to use small boats will be revoked for a length of time to be determined by the Boat Club Committee on a case-by-case basis.
Rules Specific to the Single Scull
- All scullers need a bankrider unless specifically exempted by the President.
- All winter outings (between November and February, inclusive) must be specifically approved by the President.