Competition Rules for Sulkava Grand Rowing Festival

This summary provides the essential competition and equipment rules for the Sulkava Grand Rowing Festival, based on the official regulations of the Finnish Canoeing and Rowing Federation. It is designed to help international participants prepare for the event and ensure their equipment meets the requirements.

TIP: Are you bringing a church boat team but unsure which class to enter?
Check the “Rules for Church Boats” section and point number 3 below to find the correct category for your crew.

General Rules for All Boats:

  1. Mass Start: The festival uses a mass start. The boat in front always has the right of way.
  2. Obstruction: Cutting in front of or obstructing other boats is prohibited, even for the leading boat.
  3. Drafting (Pacing): Drafting is allowed only between similar boat types. A church boat may only draft another church boat, and small boats may only draft other small boats.
  4. Route Familiarization: Crews are responsible for studying the route map carefully. Church boats will be provided with a weather-resistant map.
  5. Equipment Compliance: In competition categories, crews are responsible for ensuring their boat complies with the official rules.
  6. Equipment Regulations: Detailed equipment rules can be found in the Rulebook for Wooden Boats.
  7. Licensing: Participants in the Finnish Championship (SM) starts must hold a competition license from the Finnish Canoeing and Rowing Federation and be familiar with the full rulebook.

Rules for Church Boats:

  1. Coxswain Age: The coxswain (steersman/woman) must be at least 15 years old.
  2. Responsibility: The coxswain’s legal responsibility is comparable to that of a motorboat operator.
  3. Crews:
    • Men (Open): 14 rowers and a coxswain. No gender restrictions for the crew.
    • Women: All 14 rowers must be female. No gender restriction for the coxswain.
    • Mixed: 14 rowers, with a maximum of 7 men. No gender restriction for the coxswain.
  4. Spare Oars: Any spare oars must be kept entirely inside the gunwales (boat edges).
  5. Bailing: The boat must be equipped with a bailing device, scoop, or a suitable pump.

 

Summary of Competition Categories (SM)

  • Seating: The seat/bench structure is free (open design) in all starts and categories.
  • Drafting in SM Starts: Following the Finnish Canoeing and Rowing Federation rules, drafting is now permitted in all starts, including the Finnish Championship.
  • Finnish Championship Eligibility: Official SM participants must have a valid federation license. Outside crews can participate in these starts but will not be included in the official SM results or be eligible for SM medals.
  • Small Boats: SM medals for small boats are contested during the Saturday Day Rowing.
  • Church Boats: SM titles for the 60 km distance (Men, Women, and Mixed) are decided during the Saturday Day Rowing. Prizes are awarded according to SM regulations.

Special Boat & Touring Categories

  • Special Boats: Boat model, material, and seat structure are free. The crew size can be 1–8 people.
  • Touring Categories: Open for church boats, small boats, special boats, canoes, and kayaks. Boat models and materials are free.

Official Equipment Rules (Competition Categories)

Church Boats (Summary)

  • Materials: Boats and support structures must be made of wood. Clinker-built (lapstrake) construction is required.
  • Dimensions: Maximum length is 12.00 meters and maximum width is 197 cm (including rowlock structures).
  • Oars: Must be made of wood. A maximum of seven pairs of oars can be used simultaneously.
  • Rudder:Must be wood and attached to the stern with hinges.

Special Boat & Touring Categories

  • Materials: Planking, keel, and support structures must be wood. Clinker-built construction is required.
  • Dimensions: Maximum length is 6.50 meters and maximum width is 135 cm (including rowlock structures).
  • Restrictions: The use of fins or rudders is prohibited in small boats.
  • Oars & Paddles: All oars must be wood. In pair rowing, “stroke-and-paddle” categories, the paddle must be wooden and single-bladed, though fiberglass reinforcement is allowed on the blade.

This English summary provides a free translation of the essential competition and equipment rules, curated for international participants from the official Rulebook for Wooden Boat Rowing by the Finnish Canoeing and Rowing Federation. https://melontajasoutuliitto.fi/kilpailut/saannot/