Rules and Instructions
Basic BOAT RACE Information
A day-long racing session includes 12 races.
3 laps counterclockwise
After passing the starting line, the boats vie for the lead by racing around the 1st- and 2nd-turn markers in order, completing 3 laps around the dedicated course (3 laps @ 600 m/lap = 1800 m).
6-boat contest
BOAT RACE is a competition in which 6 boats race to the finishing line.
The boat racers’ uniforms and boats are color-coded as follows:
- Boat 1
- White
- Boat 2
- Black
- Boat 3
- Red
- Boat 4
- Blue
- Boat 5
- Yellow
- Boat 6
- Green
The unique way races start
Unlike the “standing start” used in athletic events, BOAT RACE employs the “flying start system” in which boats must pass the starting line within a designated time frame.
From warm-up to start
The 6 boats “pit-out” all at once, but before crossing the starting line, they warm up by sprinting clockwise around marker 2 and the shortcut prevention buoy.
Flying (F) and Late (L) starts
In BOAT RACE, a boat can take the advantage by passing the starting line ahead of all the others.
If a boat crosses the line too early before the needle on the giant clock hits 0, it’s called a “flying start (F)”. If it crosses too late after the needle hits 1, it’s called a “late start (L)”.
In either case, the boat is scratched from the race and the bets on that boat are refunded. Be sure to hang on to your betting ticket.