In racing, the shell is steered by a coxswain, who sits in the stern facing the oarsmen and holds the lines which guide the rudder. This is very important, since she tries to choose the best and most favorable course. She must observe all conditions closely. She alters the course as little as possible, taking care not to jerk or in any way interfere with running of the boat. She also judges the stroke, that is, when the stroke should be faster or slower.
The stroke oar is the most important position in the boat, since all the others time their strokes according to hers, either faster or slower, according to the necessity.
Above everything necessary in racing is a good coach, who watches carefully for any signs of fatigue or over-exertion. It never pays in the long run to overdo. The crew should work smoothly, harmoniously and with perfect mastery of the stroke. This can be obtained through the supervision of the coach, who criticises the individual and the whole. In arranging a crew the heavier girls are in the center, the lighter at either end; the coxswain should be as small and light as possible, thus not adding much unused weight.
In the single and double sculls—that is, boats rowed by one or two oarsmen—an oar is grasped in each hand. The sculler steers by pulling evenly on both oars for a straight course, or more strongly on one or the other oar for a variation of the course.
Rules for Racing.
Boat races, or regattas, are held on fixed courses for measured distances. In choosing a course, the natural and local conditions have to be considered. The most desirable are straightaway over inland waters with no, or little, current. If the course is in tidal water, the race should be so timed that it is not necessary for the crew to row against the tide.
The start and the finish are marked by flags. The stern must be on a line with the start. The bow first crossing the finish line wins. A tie is usually rowed over again.
The start is generally made at the pistol shot, fired by the official starter. Each boat has been assigned to a course, decided by lot. The winner has first choice and should make the most of the opportunity, considering position, tide, wind and other local conditions. No crew may go into another’s course.
If the course is not straightaway, each boat must turn around the turning stake in its own course.
Besides an official starter, there is an umpire who judges the races; a judge or judges of the finish.