6-boat contest

BOAT RACE is a competition in which 6 boats race to the finish line.The boat racers' uniforms and boats are color-coded as follows:

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).

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.

First, pay attention to the indications of pit-out. Boat racers that make a show of leaving the pit tend to be aiming for an inner course. Even though they may not have entered the course during the start exhibition, they often move inwards during the main race.On the contrary, the racers who are clearly behind during the pit-out are trying for an outer course and aiming to dash. Regardless of the lane, the intention to move outwards will be clear.

he racers jockey for positions that they want during the main race.The order during the start exhibition and main race can often change.When multiple boats eye the same course, "deep-in" tends to occur, and the frequency of dashes tends to increase. The innermost boat that pulls up and dashes is called "kado", and is worth paying attention to. It is in an advantageous position that allows it to overtake first, and overtake more frequently. Take note of this point when predicting which boat will seize the course.

After the jockeying for positions has been completed, all boats will move to the starting line immediately. This is when the timing starts, although it is difficult to intuitively decide a start time for racers who have recklessly seized an inner course or those who have chosen unexpected courses. Whether or not the boats are aligned at the start or not is important when forecasting results.By the way, there is no penalty for false starts or delays during the start exhibition.

The main purpose of this circling exhibition is to check which boats are moving well.Let's take note of what to look out for during the turn.Is it entering the turn at full speed?Is the turn flowing?Is the boat rattling?What is the acceleration like after the turn?These 4 points are very important.The ideal type of turn is when a boat enters the turn with all its might, goes around the turn mark tightly, and then immediately picks up speed.Boat racers tend to have their own quirks, so a perfect turn is rare. However, after watching boat races repeatedly it should be easier to identify a boat that is in good shape.n.

After the exhibition lap is over, there will be an announcement that sounds like "Boat #1, 6.67 ... Boat #2, 6.56... ".This is called "exhibition time", and it measures the time taken to travel the 150m from the start line extension of the 2nd backstretch to the 2nd mark, and will be announced as soon as the exhibition lap ends. The better the timing is, the faster the boat will move in a straight line, or the better its acceleration. This exhibition time is very important as it can directly influence the results.

RACE Start!

In the main race, racers complete 3 laps of 600m on the water surface. Let's follow the flow of the race in order.

At the signal, all six boats dash out of their pits together.In BOAT RACE, the 1st lane has the biggest advantage.

Racers have their own special skills and strategies for seizing the best course.If a boat gets forced into the first lane, since it's not allowed to stop its engine, lack of remaining distance to sprint to the starting line puts it at a distinct disadvantage.

Racers have their own special skills and strategies for seizing the best course. If a boat gets forced into the first lane, since it's not allowed to stop its engine, lack of remaining distance to sprint to the starting line puts it at a distinct disadvantage.

Here’s the real thrill of BOAT RACE.With the racers' skills on full display, it's the main highlight of BOAT RACE, and precisely where the race is often won or lost.

In BOAT RACE, the lead boat has the advantage, and the waves in its wake put the following boats at a disadvantage.

Still, the fierce battle for position can produce dramatic come-from-behind finishes, and the races stay close all the way to the end.

After going around Marker 2 on the 3rd lap, the boats race across the finish line, which is the same as the starting line.In a close race, the rankings may be determined by photo finish.