24th – 28th March, 2027

Head of The Cork Camp

Head of the Cork brings masters scullers together for a 5km single scull race on the stunning waters of Lake Avis, nestled in the heart of Portugal’s Alentejo region.

In partnership with

Camp details

Dates

24th - 28th March, 2027

Ages

Masters

Group size

6 Airport

Lisbon Airport

Country

Portugal

Price

£2900 pp

Whats included

*To race in the Head of The Cork, you will require a Rowing race membership.

Overview

Train with purpose.
Arrive ready.
Perform at your best.

The GL Camps immersive 5-day pre-race camp running between 24th–28th March is designed to bring out the best athlete in you. High-quality coaching, focused technical development, and a supportive training environment will enable you to become your best rowing self.

The camp is perfect for rowers looking to develop their technical, tactical and physical approach to racing to take into the Head of the Cork and beyond.

Athletes will benefit from structured on-water sessions, personalised feedback, video analysis and an inspiring training atmosphere alongside like-minded competitors.

“Ever since I started bringing GL Camps out here, I have been struck by the beauty of Avis Lake and its surrounding landscape. I’ve often wondered why there isn’t a race on this stunning stretch of water. So, I spoke with Luis (Ahrens, owner of the Herdade da cortesia Hotel), and we said ‘lets make this happen’”
"Gillian Lindsay, Founder GL Camps"

Key benefits of Camp

Dial in your race strategy

We spend time on pacing, line choice, and decision-making so you’re not guessing on race day—you’re executing. You’ll leave knowing exactly how to approach your race from the first stroke to the finish.

Quality coaching in a focused and fun environment

With small groups and experienced coaches, every session is purposeful. You will be able to make changes that not only maximise your performance at the Head of the Cork, but also stick with you when you leave.

Train on the course

There’s a real advantage to being on the course before the event. You’ll get familiar with the ins and outs of the lake, how to manage conditions, and key landmarks – so nothing will feel new when it matters most.

Arrive feeling prepared, not pressured

By the time race day comes around, being on camp will mean that you’re already settled in and established your confidence on Lake Avis. There’s no better way to enter a race than this.

Day-by-day

How the week unfolds

Day 1, Wednesday: Arrival and settle in

We’ll meet you at Lisbon Airport, from where the coach leaves for Lake Avis at around 10:30. It’s a good chance to meet the rest of the group as you cross the stunning Vasco da Gama bridge and head into the heart of Portugal.

Once we arrive at the Herdade da Cortesia, you’ll have time to settle in and get your first taste of the fabulous restaurant as we gather for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll meet your boat and the coaches will help you get set up, before heading out onto the water for the first time. A chance to shake off the journey, take in the surroundings, and switch into rowing mode.

We’ll finish the day with dinner together as a group.

Day 2, Thursday: Technique and video analysis

Today the coaching team will work with you to identify and implement technical changes and refine boat setup. Every athlete will have one-to-one video analysis between sessions to help make the changes stick. We’ll do a little bit of work on the course to rev the engine ahead of race day and to start to get a feel for the racing line. Coaches will also discuss your race warm-up and race plan, with a chance to put parts of it into practice.

Day 3, Friday: Know the course

Today we build on the technical changes of yesterday in session 1, and then dial up the race-specific preparation. A full race warm-up practice, followed by a low-intensity row over the full course to visualise your race plan and hit the racing line. Some short work pieces to stay sharp, but ensure you are fresh for tomorrow…

Day 4, Saturday: Race Day: Head of The Cork

Everything is taken care of. You’re already registered, and your boat will be ready, so all you need to do is focus on your race. Implement your warm-up, execute your race plan, remember your technical cues.

After the racing, there’s a prize-giving. In the evening, there’s a soirée at Herdade da Cortesia for all competitors, with food from the Alentejo, local wine and good company. It’s the perfect way to finish the week.

Day 5, Sunday: Homeward bound

One final relaxed breakfast before the coach departs for the airport around 1200. You’ll head home not just with a race under your belt, but new ideas to develop your rowing, new friendships, and fantastic memories.

Where you'll stay

Train, Race and Stay at Lake Avis

Four nights at Herdade da Cortesia on the shores of Lake Avis, full board throughout, with race day built into the week.

Your base on the water

Herdade da Cortesia sits right on the edge of Lake Avis, with its own water access, so your boat is only a few steps from your room. It’s also the race hub and registration venue for Head of the Cork, so you’re at the centre of everything from the moment you arrive. Meals are served in the glass-walled lakeside restaurant, and in the evenings the wood fire is the natural place to unwind.

On the Water

The Maranhão Reservoir is wide, open and usually calm, which is why GB Rowing and international squads come here to train. Every session is coached and has a clear purpose. We’ll start with rhythm and technique, then move on to the 5km course itself, so by race day you know the water and you know your plan.

Evenings & Beyond

Evenings are for reviewing the day’s video together, talking through race plans and sharing good food with the group. The week finishes with the Head of the Cork soirée, with Alentejo food, local wine and a room full of scullers who know exactly what the day asked of them.

ready to race the cork?

Have a question

If you’re thinking about Head of the Cork and want to arrive knowing the water, I’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s your boat, your flights or how the week builds towards race day, just ask. There are only six places on the Pre-Race Camp, so it’s worth getting in touch early.