Details
Bumping races consist of a set of
consecutive processional races in which the object is to ‘bump’ (i.e.
catch up with, or overtake) the boat in front, and by doing so exchange
places in the starting order. A successful crew is one which achieves
at least one bump each race, and is entitled to a trophy - usually a
'blade'. A crew which is consistently successful from year to year
will rise up the starting order until it reaches the top, when it is
awarded the title ‘Head of the River’. (See Tim
Granger's and Steve
Travis' descriptions of bumping races.)
Oxford City Bumping Races are raced
in coxed fours on the Isis over the same
course as the Oxford University bumping races. Racing is open to club or college crews and is held
under A.R.A. Rules of
Racing, subject to local rules. Boats
are grouped into divisions, with each division racing four times in one day. Within a division, boats are
staked 80' apart along the river bank, stretching from
Donnington Bridge to the Isis Tavern (see map
of the course). The start is signalled by a sequence of cannon shots
(5 minute warning, 1 minute warning and start). The strategy is to sprint off
the start to avoid being bumped by the boat behind, and to keep going
until either the crew in front has been bumped or until the finishing post
is reached (‘rowing over’). As soon as bump occurs, the bumping crew
drops out of the race while the bumped crew continues ('Torpids' rules).
The two crews then exchange start positions in the next race. Every
crew is guaranteed at least four races, though boats at the
top of one division also race at the bottom of the next higher division to
allow progression up the start order and will therefore race more than
four times.
Events. Separate Men’s and
Women’s competitions will be held in coxed fours. Starting order will be
drawn according to status. In subsequent years, starting order will be
determined by the finishing order of the previous year to allow clubs at the Head of the River the opportunity to defend
their titles.
Medals will be awarded to the crews
at the head of the Men’s and Women’s first divisions at the end of the
day's racing, and their names will be added to the plinth of the Bumping
Races Challenge Cup. Crews that progress four or more places in the
starting order during the day will be awarded miniature blades.
Entries by telephone and email will
be accepted, though precedence will be given to postal entries submitted
on A.R.A. forms
accompanied by cheques. The entry fee is £28 per crew in advance, or £36 on the
day,
payable to City of Oxford Rowing Club. Note that the Bumping Races are run
as an ARA-affiliated event, and registration cards must be presented on
registration. Day tickets are acceptable in lieu of registration cards. Doubling up is not permitted.
Entries and all enquiries should be
addressed to Barbara Wilson, Box Cottage, 46
Church Way, Iffley, Oxford OX4 4EB (Tel. 01865 771633; email:
b_c_wilson@hotmail.com).
Entries close on Saturday 16th
September at 6.00 pm.
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