Saugatuck River Navigation
Rules of the River
Contents
I. Overview
•
•
•
•
•
River Talk
Marine Navigation
Rules of the River
Land Marks
Etiquette
II. Navigation
•
•
•
Rowing Upstream
Rowing Downstream
The Bridges
III. Safety
•
•
•
The Tides
Lighting
Red Zones
IV. Rower’s Commitment
2
River Talk
Up Stream: When standing on the dock and facing the water,
up stream is to your left toward Town Bridge (north).
Down Stream: When standing on the dock facing the water,
down stream is to your right toward the bridges and LI Sound.
Right of Way: When two boats are converging, the boat
heading down stream has the right of way. The boat heading
up stream is required to yield.
Hi-Viz Yellow: A color that is uniquely visible to the
human eye at long distances, in low light and in fog is required
attire by all rowers.
Western Shore: Same side as the Saugatuck clubhouse on the
Norwalk side of the river.
Eastern Shore: Across the river from Saugatuck on the
Fairfield side of the river.
3
Marine Navigation
Important to note that our river is a navigable marine waterway, and
all the rules of marine navigation apply. Best to be familiar with them.
4
Rules of the River
Right of Way:
1. Boats Heading Up Stream - from Cedar Point to SRC and from SRC to Town Bridge are to row up the eastern (Fairfield) shore and do NOT have right of way. Boats
heading up stream must yield at all times to boats heading down stream.
2. Boats Heading Down Stream - from Town Bridge to SRC and from SRC to Cedar
Point - are to row down the western (Norwalk) shore and shall have the right of way.
Note: boats with the right of way have a responsibility to navigate properly, and
yield at all times to avoid a collision.
Required:
1. When rowing upstream through the moorings, you are required to pause and look
for boats heading downstream before proceeding through the narrows.
2. When rowing upstream along the race course, you are required to pause at the
Gazebo and look for boats heading down through the RR bridge before proceeding.
3. When rowing before 7:00 am and after 7:00 pm, you are required to wear a hi-viz
top and display bow and stern lights on your boat.
4. No Row Period: From mid-November to mid-March no club boats are permitted to
be used.
5. Four-Oar Rule: From mid-March to mid-April club boats are required to have a
minimum of four oars (i.e., no singles or pairs) due to the risk of hypothermia.
5
Land Marks
Up Stream
Town Bridge
Down Stream
The Gazebo
Furthest point north that is accessible
to rowers out of Saugatuck.
At the top of the race course; serves as
the finish line for the 1,000 meter course.
Mud Island
The Culvert
500 meters south of Town Bridge
and not exposed at high tide.
The Narrows
A 200 meter stretch of water extending
from the Moorings to Mud Island.
The Moorings
Visible from the club house where the
river narrows leading to town bridge.
Low Tide Rock
Located along the Norwalk side of
the river just south of the Moorings.
On the Norwalk side of the race course;
requires careful navigation at low tide.
Stony Point
The southern tip of land on the Norwalk
side of the race course.
White Bridge
Located on Saugatuck Island directly
across the bay from the race course.
Cedar Point
The eastern tip of Saugatuck Island; the
the last stretch of land before LI Sound.
6
Etiquette
At the Club:
1. When possible, adjust your foot stretchers on
slings or on the river rather than at the dock.
2. Limit dock time to 1 minute when boats are
returning or waiting to launch. Position oars to
the side and near where you intend to launch.
3. Boats returning to the dock have right of way
over those waiting to launch.
4. Boats returning to the boathouse have right of
way over boats heading down to the water.
On the Water:
1. Always be on the alert for other boats and obstructions and call out to others
when there’s a risk of collision.
2. Be thoughtful and considerate of your fellow rowers, even when you think it’s
their fault. Some are learning and some are ignorant of the rules (no excuse!).
More than likely, you’re only half right.
7
Up Stream
Mud Island
Town Bridge
The Narrows
Saugatuck RC
Eastern (Fairfield)
Shore – across from
Saugatuck
Western (Norwalk)
shore – same side
as Saugatuck
Stony Point
The Bay
The Race Course
Cedar Point
Down Stream
8
Rowing Up Stream
Saugatuck to Town Bridge
9
At the Dock
Launching: Always launch and return
with your bow pointed downstream.
Rowing Up Stream: From the dock,
take two strokes toward the bridge,
then make a wide turn upstream.
Slow or stop shy of the Moorings.
Look for oncoming boats before
proceeding through the narrows.
Saugatuck
Rowing Down stream: Proceed
through all three bridges staying close
to the western (Norwalk) shore.
Note: When the tide is going out, the
current will draw you quickly into the
bridge supports. Careful…
10
Narrows to Town Bridge
Up Stream: Running north from the
narrows, keep to the eastern (Fairfield)
side of the channel.
After passing the dock at the top of
the narrows, row hard port before
turning north toward Town Bridge.
Note: Be sure to stop well short of town
bridge at low tide. No water!
Down stream: When rowing back to
Saugatuck, stay close to the western
(Norwalk) shore.
Note: Watch out for docks and fishing lines.
Many a casualty!
11
Rowing Down Stream
Saugatuck to Cedar Point
12
The Bridges
There are three bridges south of Saugatuck. Each requires thoughtful
navigation and patience to ensure safe passage.
Down Stream: When rowing down stream
you are required to row through all three
western arches that define the navigable
marine channel.
Up Stream: When rowing up stream you
are required to row through the western
arch of the railroad bridge.
Note: When rowing upstream, you may row through
the center arches of the I-95 and Bridge Street bridges
but only above mid-tide due to rocks & obstructions.
The passages through the bridges are
very narrow. Proceed with caution and
always look for oncoming traffic.
13
The Race Course
Down Stream: Proceed under all
three bridges. When thru the railroad
bridge, turn west and head down the
western (Norwalk) side of the channel
and NOT down the race course.
Note: When rowing down stream at low tide,
stay close to the middle of the river to avoid the
culvert that extends from the yellow boathouse.
Up Stream: Row up the eastern side
of the race course. Slow or stop at
the gazebo. Look for boats heading
down stream through the railroad
bridge before proceeding.
The Culvert
The race course
(1,000 Meters)
Warning: The race course is a navigable marine
waterway. Watch for marine traffic in the
channel – especially fishing boats at dawn.
14
The Bay
Sand
Bar
Down Stream: From the end of the
race course, stay on the western
(Norwalk) shore and follow the
channel all the way to Cedar Point.
Up Stream: On your return, stay on
the eastern (Fairfield) side of the
channel buoys up thru the race course.
Warning: The channel and the race course are
navigable marine waterways. Watch for marine
traffic – especially fishing boats at dawn.
Cutting Across the Bay: Do this only
above mid tide and in good weather.
• Down stream: Row from Stony Point
directly to the White Bridge.
White Bridge
• Up Stream: Row east to Cedar Point,
then turn north and proceed directly
across the bay and up the race course.
15
The Tides
Tidal swings on the Saugatuck River can range up to 9.7 feet.
At low tide, normally safe passages can become unnavigable.
At low tide, the “Rules of the River” must necessarily
yield to good judgment and the coach’s discretion.
16
Navigation Lighting
When rowing before 7:00 am or after 7:00 pm, all rowers must wear
hi-viz tops and all boats must display proper marine lighting.
All boats must display Red and Green bow lights. Search
“Rowing Lights” online for a list of lights designed for rowers.
In addition, all boats must display a bright white stern light.
Quality lighting can be obtained from any bike shop.
Hat lights are optional but a really good idea. Red in
back and white on the bill. Obtained from any bike shop.
17
“Red Zones”
Where even the most experienced scullers get in trouble…and when…
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
When rowing hard – we tend to focus on rowing and not navigation
When rowing in the dark without hi-viz apparel and proper lighting
When rowing on the race course - side by side in both directions
When passing under the railroad bridge; it’s narrow and unforgiving
When making the turn near Mud Island – we tend to cut the corner
Can you see him?
How about now???
Docks can be very unforgiving
18
So Remember…Safety First
Bright colors and bright lights. Look and listen. When in doubt, yield. Proceed
slowly through the bridges. Yes, you have the right of way over power boats, but
only if they see you…and only if they care!
19
Rower’s Commitment
I have read the Rules of the River, and I understand their purpose and
intent. By signing this document, I acknowledge my obligation to abide
by these rules, and further commit to helping educate others so that we
may all enjoy the privilege of rowing at Saugatuck.
Signed:
Name:
Date:
___/___/___
20