Olympic rowing is one of the most exciting and challenging sports. In this sport, athletes use their strength and teamwork to propel their boats forward. But have you ever wondered how these boats are steered? In this article, we will take a closer look at how Olympic rowing boats are steered.
In the Olympics, the rowing competition consists of eight different categories. Both men and women compete in single sculls, double sculls, quadruple sculls, pair, and coxed eight. Men’s teams also compete in four and coxless four, while women’s teams compete in lightweight double sculls.
In most of the categories, the boats are steered using a rudder system. This system consists of a small blade-like structure that is attached to the stern of the boat. The rudder blade can be moved left or right using a small handle that the coxswain, or the boat’s steersperson, holds. When the coxswain moves the handle to one side or the other, the rudder blade moves in that direction, causing the boat to turn.
However, in some of the boat categories, such as the single and double sculls, the rudder is specifically designed to be small and subtle, and is almost undetectable to the audience. This design allows the steering to be very responsive, yet keeps the boats fast and streamlined.
The coxed eight category is another type of boat that uses a unique steering system. In this category, the coxswain sits in the back of the boat, giving them a clear view of the crew rowing in front of them. However, since they cannot see where the boat is going, they rely on a combination of verbal and physical cues to steer the boat. The coxswain uses their voice to direct the rowers and may also use a small rope attached to the rudder to steer the boat.
The steering system of Olympic rowing boats varies depending on the category. While some boats use a traditional rudder system, others use a smaller rudder, or a system that relies on the coxswain’s commands. Regardless of the system used, the partnership between the coxswain and the team of rowers is crucial to steer the boat effectively in the water. With skill and precision, Olympic rowers navigate their boats through the water, showcasing their talents and teamwork.