Arrival Instructions

River Raid Post Code for your satnav is SO31 4HA

Hamble High Street is a relatively narrow one way road, although with care it is accessible for most vehicles and trailers.

Camping

Camping is available at Riverside Camping Site http://www.riversideholidays.co.uk/camping/

Trailered boats 

At the bottom of the high street is a public slipway where trailered boats can be launched. It is a short row from the slipway around the public pontoon to the start of the race.

Once you have launched your boat, vehicles and trailers can be parked (free of charge) in the Donkey Derby field (Continue around the one-way system and parking will be signposted).

Kayaks and Canoes

Those bringing kayaks or canoes may pull into the Hamble quay car park to offload craft and leave them in the bays provided until called to the beach. Once unloaded, vehicles should be parked in the Donkey field.

Registration

On arrival, one member of each team should report to the control tent, located on Hamble Quay, (and the head of the pontoon). Your entry will be checked and payment confirmed. You will then be issued with a race number, a numbered bib, and course instructions.

Larger craft

Larger boats may make arrangements to launch at Hamble Point marina, (SO31 4NB) or at the public slipway across the river in Warsash (SO31 9FS) free car parking is available.

Once launched, craft should be positioned on the beach in number order. Lower numbers (starting first) closest to the start line, higher numbers downstream.

The tide will be rising so please ensure boats are left securely. Marshals will be on hand to direct you.

For fragile boats unable to be left on the beach, limited moorings are available alongside Hamble Quay, or the south quay (both sheet piled quay walls, which will have some fenders attached)

At the start of the race

Boats will be set off at short intervals. Please ensure your entire team is ready to go, as missing your scheduled start may delay others.

As boats start the race, higher numbers will be called towards the start line.  Please aim to be at the start line in number order. Boats arriving early will be held back. Due to the number of boats moored in close proximity the start, it is suggested competitors remain on the beach until close to their start time to avoid congestion.

After the race

After crossing the finish line you will be asked to return the area you waited in at the start, in order to avoid congestion at the finish line.

Boats may be left on the beach while you enjoy the bar and hog roast, or may be removed from the water.  After the last competitor has finished, there will be a short race for peanut dinghies. Marshals will be on hand to ensure the areas is kept clear for them.