A Note to Coxes, Scullers & Steersmen/women

Going up river
First leave the slips at the time appointed. Depending on the flow it may take a novice crew up to 45 minutes to reach the start. Second, on leaving the slips paddle away with all the crew to clear the slipping area for the next crew. Crews should ensure that numbers are properly mounted and bibs worn by bow-person. Proceed to the start area without delay. Note that crews not past Menlo Castle ½ hour before the start time will be turned back.

The "Cut", upstream of the stone Monuments, will be buoyed. Keep these to the coxes right, i.e. on bow side going upstream. Crews numbered 1-50 will proceed above the start line and others will be staged within the buoyed area.

The Start
From the start the river is wide and bends gently to the left. You will see the "Monuments" - stone cairns. Keep between the white on your left and the black on your right.

You then pass a third monument nestled in the reeds on your left.

Ahead, as you curve gently left around the third monument, is a black barrel. Keep left of the barrel as there are rocks near the bank.

The next bend is very sharp. Take the bend early to avoid using too much rudder. The water in this part of the river is dangerous so you will need to be very alert.

As you approach the "Menlo Straight" you should see two black markers, steer between the markers. Do not get too close to the bank as there are rocks near the bank.

When you get onto the "Menlo Straight" stay in the middle of the river.

At the end of the straight there are black markers. There is an old-tea house on the bank which should remind you that there are markers ahead.

Pass either between the black and red grids or keep them all to your left and stay near the river bank.

You are now approaching a right hand bend. Navigate around the long sweeping bend until you see Corrib Village on your right hand side.

You have about 2 minutes to go now. Stay in the middle of the river. The water in this area can be dangerous so stay alert.

You are now heading for the Franks. This is a sharp left hand bend. After the bend is the home straight, you can now see the bridge.

Pass under the bridge and try to keep the left bank. Just after you come through the bridge there is a Black marker in the middle of the river. KEEP LEFT.

Further down, there is another black marker. Keep left of the marker. When you pass this marker you take a sharp right. Do not stop here as the flow is dangerous.

DO NOT STOP IN FRONT OF THE WEIR,
THE FLOW IS STRONG AND VERY DANGEROUS