Head Of The Cork
Avis Portugal
At The Head of the Cork, masters rowing meets a world-class racing setting and a truly social atmosphere. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Avis, this flagship event brings together athletes across the rowing community with 15 age categories for men and women.
Whether you’re racing for a podium finish or embracing the experience, the Head of the Cork is much more than just a race. Organised by rowing experts, the stunning landscape and the hotel’s seamless organisation put everything in place for an unforgettable experience both on and off the water.
The Race | 5km Head
Head of the Cork is a 5km head race set on the stunning Reservoir of Lake Avis, Portugal. Entries are open to all masters single scullers, from age 27 upwards.
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 Head’s open, honest waters look forward to hosting scullers from all across the globe.
Race categories
Competition at Head of the Cork is structured to be both inclusive and competitive. 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 master event or bringing decades of experience, each race offers the opportunity to compete within your category and share meaningful race experience and competition with athletes from all over.
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
Official transfers depart Lisbon Airport on Friday evening and Saturday morning, whisking you away to the tranquil scene of Lake Avis. With a direct route available to all official hotels and the main Herdade da Cortesia registration venue, your journey from Lisbon to the Lake will be streamlined and easy to navigate.
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
The Head of the Cork also offers a fantastic experience for spectators who will be able to watch on from prime viewing spots. Spectators are encouraged to position along the finish, where you can cheer on loved ones with food and refreshments to keep you going throughout the day. The bridge also offers an elevated view of the course, with a great vantage point to follow the race as it unfolds.
Whether you’re supporting friends, family, or simply enjoying the spectacle, we’re looking forward to enjoying the energy of the race together.
Race Soiree
As the racing concludes, the experience continues into an evening designed to bring athletes and supporters together. Hosted at the stunning Herdade da Cortesia, the night will begin with the official presentation before moving into a relaxed full-service meal overlooking the lake. There will be live music, great food and an atmosphere which allows for the opportunity to unwind, connect, and celebrate.
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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