A message regarding the cancellation
It was with huge regret that the race organisers called off the 2008 Vets Head. The conditions along parts of the course were considered just too dangerous to allow for safe marshalling and racing. The PLA and the RNLI had indicated to race control that, in particular, the conditions from Barnes Bridge to around Chiswick Pier were unpleasant and the chief umpire, with advice from senior marshalls and experienced Tideway hands, saw no option but to call for the race not to run. The NNW wind was rising, with strong gusts, and there was little cause to hope for an improvement, so even a delay was not considered enough.
The race orgnisers understand the huge disappointment this difficult decision has caused. It is the decision that no race committee wants to make. We greatly appreciate the support that our race receives from our friends around the country and around the world. Some of our entrants have travelled long distances at considerable expense, we especially commiserate with these crews.
Obviously the issue of refunds has already been raised. We are afraid that no refunds can be given. We have to spend significant sums in advance of the race; much of the income has already been spent. With the number of major head race cancellations in recent years, event insurance is either prohibitively expensive or impossible to secure.
We will take what surplus we might make from this year's event to underwrite the costs of next year's event. The entry fee for the 2009 event will reflect these amounts.