Click here to download a PDF file of amendments to the rules.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE RULE BOOK AS THERE ARE SOME SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO THE RULES FOR 2001

BCU CLASSIFICATION RULES - same
THE COURSE - same
ELIGIBILITY - same
CANOES AND KAYAKS - same
ENTRIES - same except for the following :- ENTRIES.
1. Entries postmarked after the stipulated date will be subject to the published late entry fee which must be paid before the paddler starts on Good Friday/Easter Saturday depending on class entered. Paddlers submitting late entries will be required to collect their documentation at Devizes on Good Friday/Easter Saturday morning or in The Bear Hotel the evening before, having already checked by telephone with the Competition Secretary that their entry has been received.
1. Teams must be pre-nominated by the Team manager who must obtain from and return completed team entry forms to, the Competition Secretary at the Bear Hotel on the Thursday/Friday evening or at the Competition Secretary's office on Devizes Wharf on Good Friday/Easter Saturday morning, prior to any crew in the team getting on the water. Crews will not count as part of a team in any other circumstances. Last minute changes to crew members and teams must be notified to the Competition Secretary at the Bear Hotel, Devizes, between 1930 and 2230 hrs on Thursday/Friday evenings, or at her office at Devizes Wharf on Friday/Easter Saturday at least 30 minutes before the crews proposed starting time.
INDEMNIFICATION & CONTRACT
1. the Limitation of Liability on the entry form is included in these rules
2. the expressions "the company" or "the DW Organisation" in these rules shall mean "The Devizes to Westminster Organisation Ltd"
IDENTIFICATION - same
CONDUCT OF CREWS & SUPPORTERS - same
SAFETY OF CREWS - same, including
- If the DW Organisation have the need to illuminate signs this will be done with a white light stick
- Light sticks worn by all DW Officials will be yellow
- White continuous flashing strobe lights will be used where appropriate to identify hazards
- NO support crew are to use white flashing lights
For the Stages event
Procedure at Savernake Tunnel
Traffic control system in place. Crews must obey instructions of marshals. Stoppages will be given as time allowances and the final time amended appropriately.
Procedure at Newbury
In high flow rates on the Thames additional portages and course changes may be required. All crews must check the notice board for details.
Procedure at Ham
All crews must report to the Start Gate and follow the instructions of the Marshals. If the starts are before dawn, all crews must have a lightstick attached to themselves in addition to any lights required to conform to PLA Navigation Regulations.
For the Senior Doubles
Procedure at Savernake Tunnel
Traffic control system in place. Crews must obey instructions of marshals. Stoppages will be given as time allowances and the final time amended appropriately.
Procedure at Newbury
"Red Board" warning - information for support crews re River Thames flow rate.
Procedure at Dreadnought Reach (Compulsory Portage)
If "Red Boards" in place, only crews who have been on the water less than 12 hours can proceed after dusk. Others must not proceed before dawn. Time off the water will be recorded and shown on certificate, but no allowance will be given
Procedure at Teddington Lock
Any crews arriving more than two hours before first High Water on Easter Sunday must stop and wait until allowed to proceed by Marshals. No time allowance will be given. Any crews arriving after dark on Easter Sunday who do not intend to continue on the Tideway must report to the Stages Race Officials at Thames Young Mariners and proceed with the Stages start on Easter Monday. Time off the water will be recorded and shown on certificate, but no allowance will be given
~~Procedure at Ham~~ Proposed amendment deleted 20th January 2001
~~Any crews arriving at Teddington more than three hours after the second High Water on Easter Sunday must report to the Start Gate at Thames Young Mariners before proceeding onto the Tideway.~~
OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE - same
PENALTIES AND PROTESTS - same
RETIREMENT - same (Emergency Contact No. DW Race Information Duty Officer 0207 620 0298)

COMPULSORY KIT For all classes as follows COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT (a)

QTY	ITEMS	PENALTY
1 each	Competitors at all times during the Race, must wear serviceable life jackets or buoyancy aids conforming to BCU, BMIF, or CE Regulations and, in either case, buoyancy aids or life jackets must contain not less than 50N of inherent buoyancy. Any crew member not wearing an adequate buoyancy aid/lifejacket when on the water, embarking, disembarking or portaging will be penalised.	Disqualification
1 each	~~Green~~ amended 10/2/01White Chemical Light Sticks are to be alight and worn by each paddler (around buoyancy aid /lifejacket) between dusk to dawn.(to be issued at Devizes by DW Organisation Ltd)	Disqualification
1 each	Survival bag 78 X 30 (not space blanket)	30 mins
1 each	Complete tracksuit or thermal underwear to fit (with sleeves)	30 mins
	Emergency Rations - 300mls fluid (per paddler)	20 mins (max)

The above items to be kept separate from other supplies. (b)

QTY	ITEMS	PENALTY
1each	Head covering- capable of covering the ears (wool/thermal)	10 mins
1 each	Spraydeck (kayaks only) Above Teddington Spraydeck must be worn Below Teddington	10 mins Disqualification

The fluid must be retained for emergency use. If any of the above is lost in a capsize, it must be replaced before the crew continues. All of the above must be treated as individual items and NOT serve dual purposes.

In addition to clothing worn by crews at the start, the above SERVICEABLE equipment must be carried in the boats. Crews will not be permitted to start without this equipment. This kit will be inspected at the start and may be inspected at the finish and by an Umpire, at any point or points along the course. Penalties will be imposed in respect of items missing. A time allowance will be given for a stoppage if a penalty is not imposed,

One torch, in working order. Ensure that the torch is of sufficient power to shine for at least 10hrs, or carry enough batteries to replace the flat ones. PENALTY - DISQUALIFICATION
Dusk to Dawn.
1. Below the Kennet Mouth an all-round white light or two white lights giving the same coverage must be exhibited.
2. Below Teddington and up until disembarkation at the finish a visible white light MUST BE SHOWN CONTINUOUSLY facing forward. MAXIMUM PENALTY DISQUALIFICATION.

N.B. These rules may have the effect of requiring the carrying and/or using of more than one torch.

TROPHIES - same (Certificates only will be issued for the Endeavour Class and no times will be recorded)

SENIOR DOUBLES STARTING Start times for Senior Doubles: The International Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race

Easter Saturday 07.00 - 12.00	Easter Saturday 12.00 - 20.00	Easter Sunday Only if pre-booked
Procedure as above	Crews must inform the Competition Secretary of their intended start time before 12.00 on Easter Saturday.	Crews may start between 16 and 11 hours before the second High Water at Teddington on Easter Sunday if they have pre-booked in writing by the Friday before Good Friday.

Senior doubles crews may choose their own starting time at Devizes from one of the following time periods: Crews are timed continuously from Devizes to Westminster. The start time must be notified to the Entries Secretary at the time of the entry being sent and confirmed or adjusted before the event.

0700 - 2000 hrs on Easter Saturday
1. Crews must report to the Marshal for kit check at Devizes Wharf at least 45 minutes prior to their start time.
2. To start after 1200 hours the crew must notify the Competition Secretary on Devizes Wharf of their intended start time by 1200 hours on Easter Saturday
3. Crews arriving at TEDDINGTON LOCK before first high water at Teddington Lock on Easter Sunday will not be permitted to proceed until high water. NO ALLOWANCE will be given
Between 16 hours - 11hours before the second high tide at Teddington on Easter Sunday. To start in this time period the proposed start time and kit-check time must be pre-booked, IN WRITING to be received by the Competition Secretary on or before the Friday BEFORE Good Friday. ( Please note this start period is not suitable for crews intending to take twenty or more hours to complete the course).

TIDEWAY - same with the exception to this rule being Any crew arriving at Teddington 50 minutes prior to the Monday Stages start may be required to start with or after the stages start. Warm refreshments and shelter will be available for all crews held at this point. Any delays incurred at Teddington due to the above will be credited to the total time.
ADDITIONAL COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT - please see amended rule 13.
FINISHING.- same FOUR DAY EVENT

THE STAGES (including the new Endeavor Class)

Day 1	Devizes to Newbury	34 miles	Good Friday
Day 2	Newbury to Marlow	36	Easter Saturday
Day 3	Marlow to Ham	38	Easter Sunday
Day 4	Ham to Westminster	17	Easter Monday

STAGES START TIMES Please refer to individual class categories Start times for Stage Events: (Juniors, Veteran/Juniors, Endeavour Doubles, Senior Singles)

Good Friday:
Devizes Wharf Easter Saturday:
Newbury: Northcroft Leisure Centre Easter Sunday:
Marlow: Longridge Scout Camp Easter Monday:
Ham: Thames Young Mariners
Juniors 08.00 - 09.00 1st 15: 08.30 - 09.00
Others 07.30 - 08.30 1st 15: 08.30 - 09.00
Others 07.30 - 08.30 High Water at Teddington 09.07
Veteran/Juniors 07.00 - 08.00 *
09.00 - 09.30** 07.30 - 08.30 *
09.00 - 09.30** 07.30 - 08.30 *
09.00 - 09.30** Front row: 1st 15 Junior Crews only 09.07
Endeavour Doubles 07.00 - 08.00 *
09.30 - 10.00** 07.30 - 08.30 *
30 - 10.00** 07.30 - 08.30 *
09.30 - 10.00** After Junior Doubles 09.37***
Senior Singles 07.00 - 08.00 *
10.00 - 11.00** 1st 15: 10.30 - 11.00
Others 07.30 - 08.30*
or 10.00 - 11.00** 1st 15: 10.30 - 11.00
Others 07.30 - 08.30*
or 10.00 - 11.00** 30 minutes before High Water at Teddington 08.37
* Suggested start time for crews anticipating taking over six hours to complete the course. Please note that you must finish in less than ten hours. The finish at Newbury, Marlow and Ham will close at 19.00.

** Suggested start times for crews anticipating in finishing in under six hours. Please note that the finish at Newbury, Marlow and Ham for Challenge Doubles will not open until 16.00, so the fastest possible Endeavour Double time is 6 hrs. If you are capable of faster times than this you should consider entering the Senior Doubles International Canoe Race.

*** Not a mass start. Must start within 1 hour of High Water at Teddington.

The start, on Easter Monday morning, will be at half an hour before High Water Teddington for Senior Singles and at HW for Junior Doubles, Veteran/Junior and remaining Senior Doubles. All competitors taking part in the four day event MUST report to Thames Young Mariners on the Monday morning and proceed to the course through the Control gate. When this final stage takes place in the dark the following will be required in addition to all other compulsory equipment. ~~Green~~ amended 10/2/01White chemical light sticks alight must be worn by each paddler (around buoyancy aid /lifejacket) Failure to do so will result in DISQUALIFICATION

FINISHING Changes as follows

Friday	Newbury	Finish river left about 1000 metres past the lock at Northcroft Leisure Centre playing fields on the outskirts of Newbury.(by the footbridge)
Saturday	Marlow	Finish river right at Longridge Scout Camp below Marlow Lock
Sunday	Ham	Finish river right at Thames Young Mariners
Monday	Westminster	The Finish Line is Westminster Bridge (upstream side)

Crews will be signalled they have finished by the sounding of an air horn, bell or whistle.

Crews finishing later than 10 hours after their start times for the day, on any day, will not be permitted to start again on the following day and will be deemed to have retired.(d) At Westminster ALL crews must leave the water 100m beyond the finish using County Hall steps.

RACE LEADER - same
JUNIOR DOUBLES

STARTING. Crews must report on day one for Kit Check by 0900 hrs.

	Good Friday: Devizes Wharf	Easter Saturday: Newbury: Northcroft Leisure Centre	Easter Sunday: Marlow: Longridge Scout Camp	Easter Monday: Ham: Thames Young Mariners
Juniors	08.00 - 09.00	1st 15: 08.30 - 09.00 Others 07.30 - 08.30	1st 15: 08.30 - 09.00 Others 07.30 - 08.30	High Water at Teddington. 09.00

ADDITIONAL COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT - same
JUNIOR OVERNIGHT SITES - same with the exception of
1. All Junior crews, male and female, cook their own meals and must remain in the official sites at the end of each days racing. At Newbury ( Northcroft Leisure Centre playing fields) Marlow (Longridge) and Ham crews must sleep in tents provided by the crews or their supporters.
SENIOR SINGLES AND VETERAN/JUNIOR CLASS
STARTING TIMES - please see rule 19 Stages Start Times 26a. SENIOR DOUBLES ENDEAVOUR - New Class ELIGIBILITY -
1. The Endeavour Class is open to all male, female or mixed crews of any nationality in accordance with the ages specified.
2. The course will be paddled in a double canoe/kayak.
3. In the DW Endeavour both crew members shall be over 18 years on the 1st January in the year of the race. There is no upper age limit.
4. The Endeavour Class is not timed and the participants will receive a DW Finishers Medal and a certificate showing that they have completed the 125 mile course. No timings will be added to the certificate.
5. Crews must only finish at each stage within the finish window. Anyone finishing before the window needs to report to the finish team upon the opening of the finish.
6. Please note that the finish at Newbury, Marlow and Ham for DW Endeavour Class will not open until 16.00, so the fastest possible Endeavour Double time is 6 hrs. If you are capable of faster times than this you should consider entering the Senior Doubles Race.
COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT - as per rule 13
OVERNIGHT SITES All Senior Doubles Endeavour crews, male and female, have the option of
1. Camping in a special marked off area of the following official sites at the end of each days racing. At Newbury (Northcroft Leisure Centre playing fields: Friday) Marlow (Longridge: Saturday) and Ham (Sunday). Or
2. Leaving the site and staying in accommodation elsewhere
but in either case the boat of the competing doubles will be in a compound as guided by the Campsite Marshals. Crews using the sites will rise in time to clean their quarters and place all refuse in the sacks provided and will not be allowed to proceed until approval is given by a Site Marshal. No person other than a Race Official or Competitor will be allowed access to any building or camp site used for the accommodation of competitors. No generators are allowed after 10pm on any campsite. All crews must complete the course by 4hrs after high water at Teddington on Easter Monday morning and must have vacated the finish site by one hour later.
STARTING TIMES - please see rule 19 Stages Start Times
Official Lock Portaging Diagrams Amendments to these have been made please see the web site and the portage sheet at the start of the race.