BIAC's 3rd annual Head of the Corkscrew Regatta was on Sunday, December 9, 2006 at 10:00. am. High Tide this year was around 11:30 am - a good time for a closing Potluck BBQ. The visiting trophy for the best costumes goes to the Los Gatos Cats, and the local best dressed were the BIAC Pirates, with a close second from BIAC Police.

Race Results
2007
2006

BIAC, LGRC, and Marin Rowing, fielded 78 competitors who rowed 22 shells on this challenging 15km loop, raising $1,115 to benefit the charity Second Harvest Food Bank. It took between 51and 97 minutes to row this course clockwise at high tide under cold, clear, and calm skies.

Overview:
Corkscrew Slough is a serpentine body of water and very fun to row during high tide. The course is 14 to 15 km long (9 miles) depending on your good steering. It has nine turns inside of Bair Island. This is a head style race with about 20 second intervals between shells.  The start and finish are by the Stanford Crew docks in the Port of Redwood City.

Race Times:

About Corkscrew Slough:
Corkscrew connects with Steinberger Slough and Redwood Shores to the northwest and to the Port of Redwood City to the southeast. It is impassable at the Redwood Shores entrance during low tide unless you are a mud skipper.  Corkscrew Slough winds between Middle and Outer Bair Islands, is on average 100 feet wide, and is a vital estuary for wildlife and the restoration of Bair Island.

Course Details:
This is a protected marine obstacle course. It is one of the longest and most challenging head races in the USA. Experienced coxswains and scullers alike will test their wits and skills as you navigate tight turns, scenic runs, and the company of other shells. There are also numerous (yet visible) stationary markers and old dock pilings to avoid (circa Pete's Harbor, San Carlos Airport, and the Port of Redwood City). This course has 18 'turns', nine of which are inside of the Corkscrew Slough. A practice run at high tide is advised prior to race day.

The race starts across from Stanford's crew docks and procedes clockwise past Pete's Harbor, through Smith Slough and by the Wipple Ave loop of Inner Bair Island. Then you turn north and pass the San Carlos Airport, heading into Steinberger Slough for a good stretch to approach the NW entrance of Corkscrew Slough.

Stay wide here at the NW entrance due to the subsurface mud flats. It is here that you'll get blocked at low tide (less than 5 feet above MLLW (Mean Low Level Water)). Once into Corkscrew you can count nine alternating turns, some hairpin (2,4) and some more subtle (1,8,9). Be mindful of the residents: there is an abundance of wildlife to observe your style and power, so don't be freaked if a harbor seal is sighted close by (esp turns 6 to 9).

Your final approach to the SE exit of Corkscrew should allow you to get in a good 100 power strokes. You emerge into the Port of Redwood City just inside of 'the wires'. Hug the starboard shore or run the red channel markers as you like, but stay on the right side of the channel to avoid other vessels. You'll have about 2500 meters of deep protected water before your final turn to the finish.

Dress:
There will be a prize for the most comical holiday costume (that you can row in).  It might be wise to have a practice before hand! 

Charity:
We are asking for a $10 donation per seat that will go towards providing meals for less fortunate families in the local area in this holiday season.  We will take checks, credit cards, or ca$h.  Make checks payable to Second Harvest food bank.  We are aiming to provide meals for over 1,000 local families!  Everyone donating will receive a stylish commemorative Medal (limited to the first 60). All donations are 100% tax deductible between Aug 29th and Dec 31st..

Registration: Please email 'Corkscrew at GoBair dot org' if you can join us.

Docks for Shells: There are three great places to put shells into the waters of the Port of Redwood City - BIAC, Stanford, and the Port of RWC itself (where Palo Alto has temporary docks placed near the end of Chesapeake Drive off of Seaport and there is plenty of parking). Trailers can be kept overnight in the large parking lot at the end of Chesapeake or by arrangement at BIAC.

9am Coaches and Cox's meeting at the BIAC boat house. Pick up bow numbers. Hear wisdom.

Race Procedures;
Warm up a half hour before your race time.
Launch from BIAC, Stanford, or Redwood City docks.
Boats muster at Green Marker 21
Start and finish line is the Stanford Crew dock.
Click here for a Map

Results
There will be a launch covering safety and recording start and finish times at the Stanford dock..  Times will be announced at the Pot Luck gathering at BIAC following the race .

Safety.
Please ensure shells have heel ties, bow balls, etc.  There will be a motor launch in the channel recording times; it will be used in the event of an emergency. There will also be competitors equipped with cell phones and one rowing 'cleanup' at the tail to ensure everyone's safe passage.

Pot Luck - We are expecting around 70 rowers
The Pot Luck will start around 11:30

• Los Gatos - Sandwiches
• BIAC Sweep - Deserts and Sodas
• Scullers - Bagels and fillings.

Past Corkscrew Regatta Results

2007
2006