Vesta Scullers’ Head
Updated 2009 Results are now up.
Bigblade photos are now up.
Dodsworld photos are now up.
Birdman photos are now up.
Apologies for the delay in producing the results, we normally try topublish within 2 hours of the last boat crossing the line, but several blanket finishes needed extra attention and close review of video evidence, which took its time for us to work through. We appreciate that we’ve raised people’s expectations with our normal prompt publication and we hope interested parties appreciate the causes fortoday’s delay.
Vesta Scullers Head
IMPORTANT UPDATE
As at 14:00 today (27 November) the race is STILL ON. We are closely monitoring the weather forecast but owing to the predicted wind direction we will not be in a position to make a final decision on the race until tomorrow morning.
The organisers appreciate your understanding in this.
The 56th Vesta Scullers’ Head
A processional race for single sculls over the 4.25 mile championship course from Mortlake to Putney. First sculled in 1954, this year’s race will involve almost 500 scullers attracting entries from all over the United Kingdom and the world, with standards ranging from internationals to novices.
11-30am, November 28th 2009
Please click here for the Final 2009 draw. (there will be no more changes).
Please read the Instructions for Competitors_2009
Changes to collection points for numbers can be made until Friday (tomorrow) at noon – after that we can’t accept changes.
If you want to change your collection point, please contact Chris Harrison / Sinead Hayes (entries secretaries) – scullers.head@vestarowing.co.uk / 07973 369 106 (evenings only, please), All numbers will be available from Vesta on friday evening (6-30 -8-30) or from TSS (Chiswick), the ARA (Hammersmith) or Vesta on Saturday from 8-30 until 10-30.
Lightweights: men 75kg, women 61kg. There will be weighing in points at Putney, Hammersmith and TSS/Chiswick.
Don’t forget your official Scullers’ Head 2009 T-shirt – click on the image for more info.
Entries
Entries are now being accepted: ARA’s Online System. Paper entries on standard ARA forms are accepted. We do note that the postal strike is likely to have a significant effect on receipt of paper entries. Could you email the entries secretaries (scullers.head@vrc.org.uk) to confirm postage of an entry, we will then confirm when/if received. In the event of over-subscription preference will be given to complete and paid entries and we would strongly advise entrants who cannot hand deliver entries to use OARA and to pay online with a credit or debit card.
If you need assistance with the OARA system, please contact the OARA team directly – they’ll be able to help in ways we cannot!
The entry fee is £29, the closing date is noon, Saturday 14th November (apologies for date mistake, I have been given permission to blame Mr Harrison’s ‘rubbishness’.
Cheques should be payable to “Vesta Open Events Committee” if you would prefer to pay electronically please contact us here and we can confirm details to you.
Please note: Only paid entries will be included in the draw. Day tickets are no longer available. All entrants must be ARA members or of affiliated organisations.
Apparently some non-UK credit cards are not accepted by the OARA system (it’s to do with whether they can be charged in Pounds). If you are struggling to pay, let us know and we’ll try to sort something out with you.
Assorted Details
Course: 4¼ miles from Mortlake to Putney, under ARA Rules of Racing and within the Water Safety Code.
Categories offered: Men & Women. All open categories (senior, intermediate & novice). Lightweight (Elite-IM1). Junior (only J18). Vets (A-I, dependent on entry). Prizes subject to 3 entries in a category.
Lightweights: men 75kg, women 61kg. There will be weighing in points at Putney, Hammersmith and TSS/Chiswick.
Coastal: We are offering a single open coastal category for men and another for women (on the OARA site this is listed as Open Elite and Elite Women, but each additionally marked as Coastal to differentiate from the ’standard’ Elite categories). As for any category, this is subject to 3 entries to ‘count’ as for a prize.
Scottish Entrants: friends from North of the Border need to be aware of the points situation that is out of step between SARA and BR. In line with the other major Tideway events, we’ve some notes for SARA members.
Numbers:All numbers will be available from Vesta on friday evening (6-30 -8-30) or from TSS (Chiswick), the ARA (Hammersmith) or Vesta onSaturday from 8-30 until 11.
Enquiries: Chris Harrison / Sinead Hayes (entries secretaries) – scullers.head@vestarowing.co.uk / 07973 369 106 (evenings only, please)
Prizes
In order to add a little spice to the race, we’ve decided that a prize will be awarded to the fastest woman and the fastest man; a limited edition scale model sculpture of a single – with trestles – cast in pewter. The sculls are approximately 30cm long and exquisitely detailed. We are sure that they will become a sought after addition to the prize-shelves of the best scullers in the world.
The Scullers Head is the largest single division single sculls race in the world and the prize offered should be similarly unique. Come to London in the Autumn to race for a singular prize over the most famous stretch of river in rowing.
Novice Prizes
In memory of Alec Hodges, their legendary coach to generations of scullers from beginners to internationals, Tideway Scullers School have very generously donated two trophies to be awarded to the winning novices – one for the men (modelled on Alan Campbell) and one for the women (modelled on Tash Howard) – shown to the right. 
Social Networking
Follow race updates on Twitter.
Information
More information is available from the Entries Secretaries, Chris Harrison and Sinead Hayes – who will answer questions if they can:
Entries Secretary
c/o Vesta Rowing Club
The Embankment
Putney
London
SW15 1LB
07973 369106
E-mails sent to scullers.head@vestarowing.co.uk will reach the organisers.
Previous Results
The Small Print
To ensure that the Scullers Head is not subject to VAT the organisers are obliged by VAT regulations to include the following statement in promotional material for the event – “The Scullers Head is organised by Vesta Rowing Club, a Community Amateur Sports Club, that applies any surplus on the event to further the sport of rowing.”
Results and information on past Vesta Scullers’ Head can be found here.
