Thames is fortunate enough to have space for a large number of privately-owned single sculls in addition to our club fleet. However, we have more members than we do racks, and there is usually a waiting list. On this page you will find information on how you can join the list, and also on what will be expected of you while you keep a boat in the Thames boathouse.

How much does racking cost?

A rack for a single scull currently costs £20 a month, or £220 a year. This is normally payable annually in advance at the same time as your subs.
Concessions may be made on a case-by-case basis for successful international triallists.

Getting a Rack

In order to rack a boat at Thames, you need to be a current Full Member of Thames. Please see the Joining Thames page for details of our membership categories. You will need to maintain Full Membership while you rack a boat at the club. Most people will already be Full Members when they join the rack waiting list, but it is possible to join while you hold another category of membership. Junior members may also join the rack waiting list.

We try to provide priority racking for triallists, but this depends on availability and is at the discretion of the Captain and head coach.

To join the rack waiting list, please get in touch with Caroline Smith on racking@thamesrc.co.uk

When you have been allocated a rack, please provide the Safety Committee with the following information:

• Boat name (if any)
• Existing ID number (if any)
• Make
• Colour
• Year of construction
• Crew weight

Safety

We take safety seriously at Thames.

In order to rack a single at the club, you will have to demonstrate both adequate sculling ability and local knowledge. This is done through our in-house Steering Certificate. You will be expected to reach a minimum of Level 2, meaning that you can go out unaccompanied in good conditions, and the higher levels will be required if you intend to scull in the dark or in difficult conditions.

Buoyancy

We strongly advise all those racking boats at Thames to ensure they meet current buoyancy requirements detailed in FISA's Minimum Guidelines for the Safe Practice of Rowing. This requires that:

"When full of water a boat with the crew seated in the rowing position should float in such a way that the top of the seat is a maximum of 5 cm (2 inches) below the static waterline."

If well maintained, the majority of standard-construction single sculls with hard canvases will meet this requirement.

Extra care must be taken of boats with soft canvases in order to maintain them to the appropriate buoyancy standard, and owners of these boats must be aware that they should not be taken out in adverse conditions where swamping or capsize may be a possibility.

Identification and Labelling

All boats racked at Thames are required to show a valid ID, in accordance with ARA and Port of London requirements, and a label showing the name of the owner. The cost of both of these is included in your rack rent, and they will be provided by the Safety Committee once you have been allocated a rack and have sent through the information requested above.

If you would like someone to help you apply the labels, please just let us know.

Thames RC Safety Committee
safety@thamesrc.co.uk
July 2009