Head Of The Cork
Avis Portugal
Step onto the start line at Head of the Cork, where masters rowing meets world-class racing and a truly social atmosphere. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Avis, this flagship event brings together athletes from across the rowing community to compete across 15 age categories for men and women.
Whether you’re racing for a podium finish or embracing the experience, it’s more than just a race; it’s a complete event. With clear schedules, seamless organisation, and a vibrant lakeside setting for spectators and supporters, everything is in place for an unforgettable day on and off the water.
The Race | 5km Head
Head of the Cork is a 5km head race set on the calm, open waters of the Maranhão Reservoir at Lake Avis, Portugal, and it is open to every masters single sculler, from age 27 to 95 and beyond.
Across a range of age categories for men and women, the head race format places a premium on what matters most over distance: endurance, pacing, and the ability to hold technical efficiency when the work gets hard. Whether you are competing for the first time or have decades of racing behind you, the course asks the same question of every athlete. There are no shortcuts across five kilometres of honest open water. Every stroke tells, and the result sheet reflects exactly what each sculler brought to the start line.
This is masters sculling at its purest and most inclusive.
Race categories
Competition at Head of the Cork is structured to be both inclusive and competitive, with Men’s and Women’s single scull categories spanning a wide range of masters age groups. From athletes aged 27 through to 95+, each category is designed to create fair, meaningful racing while celebrating the longevity and diversity of the rowing community.
Whether you are stepping onto the start line in your first masters event or bringing decades of experience, every race offers a chance to compete within your category while sharing the water with athletes across generations.
Pre-race camp
Registration
Race
Evening soiree
The Course
Set against the stunning landscape of the Alentejo, our 5km sculling course winds along the river before opening out onto the beautiful waters of Lake Avis – finishing just past the iconic Herdade da Cortesia. It’s a course that rewards clean technique and steady rhythm, with the landscape gradually unfolding around you as you make your way downstream.
Starting further up the river, scullers navigate a natural waterway framed by the rolling hills and cork oak forests that define this corner of Portugal. As the river broadens towards the lake, the open water gives you the chance to push hard to the line, with Herdade da Cortesia coming into view as a welcome landmark in the final stretch.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply soaking up one of Europe’s most beautiful Head race settings, the sculling course at Lake Avis promises an experience you won’t forget.
Airport Transfers
Begin your Head of the Cork weekend the right way. Our official transfer departs Lisbon Airport at 11:30 am on Friday, whisking you through the rolling Alentejo landscape to the tranquil shores of Lake Avis, with drop-off at both Herdade da Cortesia and Villa dos R’s. On Sunday morning, the return departs at 9:30 am, collecting from both hotels and getting you back to Lisbon Airport in good time after the racing is done.
Two transfer options are available to book:
- Shared transfer — £35 per person each way (£70 return)
- Private taxi — up to 4 passengers, ideal for groups or those travelling with kit
Shuttles
Make the most of every moment at Head of the Cork with our dedicated shuttle service, running multiple times daily between all official hotels and the Herdade da Cortesia registration hub. Weaving along the shores of Lake Avis, it’s your seamless link to the start line, the finish, and the camaraderie that makes this weekend so special—because great racing begins long before you pick up your oars.
Spectators
Head of the Cork offers a fantastic experience for spectators, with prime viewing points to take in the action. The finish line provides a vibrant atmosphere where you can watch rowers push for the line, with food and drink available throughout the day to keep you refreshed. For a different perspective, the bridge offers an elevated view of the course, giving a unique vantage point to follow the race as it unfolds. Whether you’re supporting friends, family, or simply enjoying the spectacle, there’s no shortage of moments to engage with the energy of the event.
Race Soiree
As the racing concludes, the experience continues into an evening designed to bring everyone together. Hosted at Herdade da Cortesia, the night begins with the official presentation, recognising performances across all categories, before moving into a relaxed, full-service meal overlooking the lake. With live music setting the tone, the evening creates the perfect space to unwind, connect, and celebrate an atmosphere that captures the spirit of Head of the Cork both on and off the water.
Entry fee
Entry for Head of the Cork is released in three stages, rewarding those who commit early, with Early Bird pricing offering the best value, followed by July – August standard entry, and finally September late entry, where availability becomes more limited as the event approaches.
With demand expected to be high, booking early not only secures your place on the start line but also ensures you benefit from the most competitive rate.
For those attending the GL Camps Pre-Race Camp, race entry is included within the package, removing the need for a separate booking and creating a seamless race-week experience where preparation, accommodation, and competition are fully aligned.
Supporting Excellence
Proud Sponsors of The Event
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