STYLES OF BOATS
In rowing there are many different styles of
boats. It can be a bit confusing trying to figure out the differences, and the
names, but I hope the illustrations provided on this page help clarify the
problem...
This shell is called a single. There is only
one rower with two oars. The abbreviation is 1X.
This shell is called a pair with coxswain. There are two rowers with one oar each, and a coxswain. The abbreviation for a pair with is 2+.
This shell is also a pair, but without a coxswain, and therefore it is called a straight pair. There are two rowers with one oar each, no coxswain. The abbreviation for a straight pair is 2-.
This shell is called a straight double. Two rowers with two oars each, no coxswain. The abbreviation for a straight double is 2X-. A double may have a coxswain, and if it does it would be called a double with. The abbreviation for a double with would be 2X+.
This shell is called a four with coxswain. Four rowers with one oar each, and a coxswain. The abbreviation for a four with is 4+.
This shell is called a straight four. There are four rowers with one oar each, and no coxswain present. The abbreviation for a straight four is 4-.
This shell is called a straight quad. There are four rowers with two oars each, and no coxswain. A quad with a coxswain is called a quad with. The abbreviation for a straight quad is 4X-, while the abbreviation for a quad with is 4X+.
This shell is called an eight. There are eight rowers with one oar each, and a cowswain. This boat is way too large not to have a coxswain steering the shell. The abbreviation for an eight is either 8 or 8+. You may use either because an 8- does not exist.
There is a definite pattern emerging here. Take a look at the abbreviations and you should notice the following ...
Number = how many rowers/seats in the boat.
X = If there is an X, that means they scull. Otherwise, they sweep.
+/- = Whether or not a coxswain is on board.
Another way to tell the difference between a boat that sweeps versus a boat that sculls is the name. Notice that boats that use sweeping techniques can be a pair, four, or eight. Where as boats that use sculling techniques include a single, double, or a quad.