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What is a head race? A UK guide for rowers and clubs

The time trials of the rowing year: how they work, and what your club needs to sort out before the day.

By Civil Digital, the team building BoatLog · Last updated

BoatLog is independent software from Civil Digital. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by British Rowing or any organisation named in this guide. Always check the current official guidance and follow your club's own procedures.

Head race vs regatta

A head race is a time trial. Crews start one after another, usually 10 to 20 seconds apart, and race a long course (often several kilometres) against the clock. The fastest time wins. A regatta is side-by-side racing over a shorter distance, usually in knockout rounds. Head season runs from autumn to spring; regatta season runs through the summer.

What happens on the day

  • Marshalling: crews boat at set times and wait in numbered order, sometimes for a long while in the cold.
  • Steering: the racing line matters, and overtaking has rules. Read the race's own instructions.
  • Penalties: time penalties for things like missing the marshalling order or steering offences.
  • Results: published by the organiser, usually on the day.

On the Tideway, the Tideway Code applies to everyone, including visiting crews.

The club's checklist

  • Entries made on time, and racing members with the right British Rowing membership.
  • Boats rigged, checked and loaded; see our trailer checklist.
  • Warm kit for marshalling, and a plan if the race is cancelled.
  • Damage reported as soon as crews are back.

How BoatLog helps

BoatLog helps with the club side of racing: booking boats for race day so they stay rigged, and logging any damage from the trailer or the race so it's fixed before Monday's outing.

BoatLog screenshot with example club data: After the race: any damage gets logged, so the boat is fixed before it's used again.
After the race: any damage gets logged, so the boat is fixed before it's used again. Example data from a fictional club.

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Questions

FAQ

What is a head race in rowing?

A time trial in which crews start one after another and race a long course against the clock. The fastest time wins.

How is a head race different from a regatta?

Head races are timed processions over a long course, mostly in autumn to spring. Regattas are side-by-side races over a shorter course, mostly in summer.

Do I need British Rowing membership to race a head?

For affiliated competitions, racers generally need the right British Rowing membership. Check the race's entry rules.

Related

Guide: UK rowing calendar 2026–27: the major heads and regattas The major UK rowing heads and regattas for the 2026–27 season, with each date marked published or expected, and what your club needs to prepare. Guide: The Tideway Code for coxes: a plain-English summary A plain-English summary of the Tideway Code for coxes and scullers on the tidal Thames: who it applies to, the key principles, and a club checklist. Guide: How to enter a regatta on BROE2: a guide for club secretaries How UK rowing clubs enter regattas and heads through British Rowing Online Entry (BROE2): who can make entries, eligibility, and why a rower may not appear.

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