THE SIDELINES : Yale Crew Survives Shaky Start

Yale University overcame problems with a soft-spoken umpire and an abrupt start to reach the quarterfinals of the Thames Cup at the Henley Regatta today.

Yale won a thrilling race by three-quarters of a length against an English crew from Lea Rowing Club, but only after recovering from the confusing starting procedure of the 151-year-old regatta.

Yale’s bowman was still checking his oarlock when the start was called, and he missed his first stroke. The rest of the crew, feeling that something was amiss, began tentatively.