BEDFORD AMATEUR REGATTA

SATURDAY 10 MAY 2008

PLEASE NOTE

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have been advised not to use the fairground site for parking, so please see a revised sheet of important information about parking that is different to the one sent out with the draw posted to each club. See also the associated map

For visiting competitors:

The following information is important: please read, even if you are familiar with Bedford events:

  • The Regatta safety plan (PDF) and water circulation plan (PDF) as posted out to clubs

    What sets Bedford Regatta apart from the rest?

    • This Regatta is for eights and fours only

    • Pint pewter tankards are awarded to all winners of main events

    • There are special ‘Plate’ events for events marked with a (P) on the poster, allowing first round losers another opportunity to race

    • Our entry fees represent excellent value at only £8.50/seat (coxes free) [NOTE: these rates are only for fees received by Wednesday 7 May, a late payment penalty applies to fees received after this date]

    What events are offered?

    • See the details on the Regatta poster:- we offer a wide range of events including J14 octuple and quad events for those crews who might be disappointed at not having events on offer at the National Schools Regatta two weeks later.

    • If there is sufficient demand, we will consider offering additional events. Write/phone/ e-mail your requests for additional events to us. Keep an eye on our page on the Bedford Regatta website for latest details.

    How do the Plate events work?

    • All first round losers of events marked with a (P) on the poster with twelve or more entries are automatically entered into a new event for no extra charge. Entrants in these events are therefore guaranteed at least two rows (subject to programme timing - if you are doubling-up you may not have sufficient time for your ‘Plate’ event rows). The winners of these Plate events win a small (but very attractive!) prize and DO NOT attract ARA status points

    • If you are fortunate enough to receive a 'bye' straight through to the second round, unfortunately you will not go through to the Plate event if you lose your first race. Sorry, but the logistics of the draw simply do not allow it.

    Can I compete in more than one event?

    • Yes, but doubling-up is at your risk and is ONLY permitted in any TWO events at the discretion of the Committee and MUST BE REQUESTED on the Entry Form. Such entries will only be accepted if they can be fitted in the programme, on the clear understanding that programme timing must be adhered to.

    • With the co-operation of our competitors and the expertise of our umpires and marshals, we have built up an excellent reputation for racing a packed schedule on time. Our sophisticated draw software manages this by running thousands of iterations of the race timetable to avoid clashes of those doubling-up or boat sharing; it is only as good as the information that it is provided with so (at the risk of labouring the point) please clearly specify any doubling-up on each entry form concerned

    Do I need to be ARA registered for the 'College' events?

    • Yes. This is an open ARA event under the ARA Rules of Racing, as are all of the other events on offer, therefore all crew members (including the cox) need to be registered. See the ARA Website for details of membership and application forms. We are told that the ARA are returning applications by return of post at the moment so there is plenty of time to get registered before the day of the Regatta.

    Who do we make Day Ticket payments payable to?

    • Day tickets are no longer available - you need to be ARA registered to compete at this - and all future - competitions run under ARA Rules of Racing.

    Can I make online entries using OARA?

    • Yes, please see the ARA's website for details. Please note that we are not accepting payment via OARA, but welcome entries made electronically. Payment must be sent to the entries secretary to hold your place in the event. The late payment penalties apply to OARA entries in the same way as 'conventional' posted entries.
  • Payment by credit or debit card can also be made to secure payment for your entries. Credit card payments are subject to a 5% levy to cover charges, debit card entries are free of charges. Contact the Regatta secretary if you are interested in paying by this method. Payment details will be taken by telephone as we do not have online payment available.

    N.B. You MUST, MUST, MUST have your valid ARA Racing Licence (with photograph affixed) with you at this event, or you will not be allowed to take your prize home and may even be prevented from competing!!! The ARA are turning around applications very quickly at the moment, so if you aren’t registered apply now.

    Gavin Dods, Hon. Secretary, Bedford Regatta Committee
    Tel: 07721 622729    e-mail: Secretary@bedfordregatta.co.uk

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