New for 2008
As many of you will remember, the river access improvements made by the Chattanooga Parks and Recreation Department and Outdoor Chattanooga last year allowed launching and recovery to occur on time throughout the day. Our hats are off to these two organizations with whom the organizing committee partners to put on the Hooch.
For the first time in ten years, the 2007 Hooch experienced difficulty posting finish times immediately after each race due to a radio signal problem between the start and finish lines. The organizing committee has therefore developed and implemented a state of the art and redundant timing system that will be race tested prior to the Hooch. Look forward to a return to the prompt finish time postings that the Hooch is known for and that you have become accustomed to.
Registration by Ronin Racing; Ronin Waivers Required
In 2008 registration for the Head of the Hooch will be by Ronin Racing. To enter, simply click the Registration link on the Hooch website. Doing so will connect you to the Ronin registration database. Due to an insurance issue with US Rowing waivers that we were not able to overcome, it will be necessary to fill out Ronin waivers this year. Do this by clicking on the Rowingwaiver.com link in the Register section of this website.
Redundant Timing System
A new redundant timing system will be in place this year to ensure that results are posted immediately after each race finishes. This system will be race-tested prior to the 2008 Hooch.
Wider Ramp to the Recovery Dock
Last year’s narrow ramp for the second recovery dock will be replaced with a new standard width ramp. This will speed traffic on and off the dock.
Two Events Added to Schedule
As requested, two events have been added on Sunday, a Men’s Youth 2- (Event 67) and a Women’s Youth 2- (Event 70).
Coaches’ and Coxswains’ Meeting
The meeting will move back to the Ballroom in the Doubletree Hotel (formerly the Clarion) where it was held in 2006.
Row for the Cure® Online Donations
An online donation system is available for all team raising money for Row for the Cure®. This system lets your team members and volunteers customize personal fundraising web pages with a personal note and photo, and accept credit card donations. The status of fundraising achievement vs. goal is presented for participants and teams, and email tools are provided to assist with soliciting donations. See Row for the Cure for more information.
Reminder - Saturday Entry Limits
For Saturday events, crews may be limited to two entries per event. Additional entries will be permitted if space allows. Enter as many crews as you are able to prior to the registration deadline and you will be advised if entry limits apply by Tuesday, October 21st. Scratch fees do not apply for entries that cannot be accommodated due to entry limits.
Reminder - Awards and Trophy Ceremonies
Trophies and medals will be awarded on the podium in front of the grandstands located at the finish line in Ross’s Landing Park. There will be three award ceremonies on Saturday. If you've placed 1st through 3rd in an event please make sure you're in the podium area to receive your award/medal. Teams can check the awards presentation time on the results output posted after each race.
Reminder - Bookend Trophy
For 2008 the Head of the Hooch and Chattanooga Head Race will again offer the Bookend Trophy. If your crew has the highest combined team points for the Chattanooga Head Race and the Head of the Hooch in the Youth, College and Club, or Masters events, you will be awarded this prestigious trophy.
Reminder – Master’s Handicaps
The Hooch requires that each masters participant provide age and date of birth when entering the regatta. When the age for one crew member is missing, no age handicap will be assigned for the crew. Check this after your crew has registered and provide any corrections as soon as possible. The latest additional information can be provided to the registrar on crew members ages will be Friday night prior to registration closing time.
Reminder - Row for the Cure® Sponsorship
For the second year the Hooch is supporting Row for the Cure® to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Five events will be sponsored by donors to this worthy cause. Please be sure to make yourselves available at the podium for awards and medals if your crew finishes in the top three in one of these events.
