Andrew Pace
Docking a boat is a challenging task for any coxswain, requiring a combination of skills such as steering, coordination, and quick decision-making. As the person in charge of navigating and steering the boat, the coxswain plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe and successful docking manoeuvre. Whether in a racing or recreational setting, the coxswain must be able to maintain control of the boat's speed, direction, and fluidity while also motivating and coordinating the rowers. Effective communication and an understanding of the boat's mechanics are essential to avoid collisions and ensure a smooth docking experience.
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What You'll Learn
Steering the boat
Steering a boat as a coxswain requires a lot of skill and practice. The coxswain is responsible for the safety of the boat and its rowers, and must be able to steer the boat while also coordinating the power and rhythm of the rowers.
The coxswain sits facing the bow and has a feel for what the crew needs and a good view of technical errors. They must be able to diagnose problems and coach the crew into taking corrective action. Steering a boat requires extra effort, especially as rowing shells are designed for speed, not manoeuvrability.
Coxswains have a few different methods to steer the boat. They can use the tiller, which involves turning the rudder to steer the boat. This can be done subtly during the recovery phase of a stroke, which is most effective at higher speeds and on straight courses. However, this can disturb the boat's balance, so it must be done sparingly and smoothly. For sharper turns, the coxswain may go "full tiller", turning the rudder to its maximum angle. This technique is reserved for the sharpest turns as it increases drag and upsets the balance of the boat.
Another method of steering is by giving commands for increased "pressure" or strength from rowers on one side of the boat. This method can be used in combination with the tiller, depending on the situation. For example, the coxswain may initiate a turn during the drive phase of the stroke when the propulsive force of the oar blades in the water helps stabilise the boat.
The coxswain must also take into account the stream, wind and river conditions when steering. For example, in The Boat Race, coxswains tend to steer in the centre of the river as this is where the stream is strongest and the river is deepest.
Overall, steering a boat as a coxswain requires a combination of techniques and a good understanding of the boat, the crew, and the environment. It is a challenging but essential role in ensuring the safety and success of the boat and its rowers.
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Implementing the race plan
To steer the boat, the coxswain may use the tiller, or issue commands for increased "pressure" or strength from rowers on one side of the boat. In extreme cases, the coxswain may go full tiller, turning the rudder to its maximum angle, and may enlist the rowers to help the boat turn faster. This technique is reserved for sharp turns, as the sharp angle increases drag and upsets the balance. For more conventional turns, the coxswain may slightly move the tiller to one side during the drive phase of the stroke, when the oars are in the water and the boat is more stable. Small adjustments can also be made during the recovery phase of a single stroke, but this is more effective at higher speeds and on straight courses and can easily disturb the boat's balance.
The coxswain must also be aware of the stream and the wind, as well as the river. For example, in The Boat Race, coxes tend to steer in the centre of the river as the stream is strongest where the river is deepest.
The coxswain is also responsible for implementing the training regimen, which includes taking the crew through a technical and physical warm-up, and ensuring the crew is ready to start the training program.
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Keeping the boat and rowers safe
The coxswain's role is to keep the boat and rowers safe at all times. They are in charge of steering the boat and coordinating the power and rhythm of the rowers. The coxswain must properly steer the boat according to the river or regatta rules and safety guidelines for the crew. They are accountable under maritime law as the 'Master of the Vessel' in the event of a collision.
The coxswain must be able to diagnose problems and coach the crew into appropriate corrective action. They must be able to spot technical errors and translate the coach's concerns into practical calls. For example, if the boat is unbalanced, the coxswain must be able to instruct the crew on how to correct their positions and movements to restore balance.
The coxswain must also be mindful of the boat's speed and stability when steering. Rowing shells are designed for speed, not maneuverability, so extra effort is required to steer. The coxswain may use the tiller or call for increased "pressure" or strength from rowers on one side of the boat to turn. Going "full tiller" is when the rudder is turned to its maximum angle, which is reserved for the sharpest of turns. However, this technique increases drag and upsets the balance of the boat, so it is important to only use it when necessary. For more conventional turns, the coxswain can move the tiller slightly to one side during the recovery phase of a stroke, which is most effective at higher speeds and on straight courses.
The coxswain must also be aware of the stream and wind conditions, as well as the depth of the river. For example, in The Boat Race, coxswains tend to steer in the center of the river because that is where the stream is strongest and the river is deepest.
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Providing motivation and encouragement
A coxswain should be a good motivator and very encouraging. While errors must be spotted and corrected, it is also important to acknowledge when someone has done something right, especially if they have been struggling. A coxswain should be positive and provide feedback on the crew's performance both in and out of races. They should also be able to diagnose problems and coach the crew into taking appropriate corrective action.
A successful coxswain must be able to command the rowers, and this includes knowing how to motivate each individual and the crew as a whole. A coxswain must be able to translate the coach's concerns into practical calls, and implement the training regimen or race plan. They must be able to keep track of the drill, time, pace, and the words of the coach, as well as the feel of the boat and its direction.
A coxswain must also be aware of the physical and mental state of the rowers. Knowing how to motivate and encourage the crew is essential to getting the best performance out of them. This includes being able to respond to the environment and the way other boats are moving, and making any necessary tactical decisions.
A coxswain is often the smallest person in the boat, and this can be a daunting role, but with confidence and a good understanding of the crew's needs, a coxswain can provide the motivation and encouragement required to steer the boat to success.
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Making tactical decisions
The coxswain must also take into account external factors such as the stream, wind, and river conditions when making tactical decisions. For example, in The Boat Race, coxswains tend to steer in the center of the river because that is where the stream is strongest and the river is deepest.
Additionally, the coxswain must be able to diagnose problems with balance and coach the crew to take appropriate corrective action. They need to translate the coach's concerns into practical calls and make sure the crew is executing the race plan or training regimen.
The coxswain's role is similar to that of an assistant coach or team captain, and they must be able to make quick decisions and adjustments to ensure the safety and success of the boat and crew. This includes deciding when to use the tiller for steering and when to enlist the rowers to help turn the boat.
Overall, the coxswain's tactical decisions are crucial for the performance and safety of the boat and crew, and they must be able to adapt to changing conditions and make timely and effective choices.
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Frequently asked questions
A coxswain is the person in charge of a boat, particularly its navigation and steering. The etymology of the word gives a literal meaning of "boat servant". In rowing, the coxswain sits in either the bow or the stern of the boat and is responsible for steering the boat, coordinating the power and rhythm of the rowers, and ensuring the safety of the boat and rowers.
The role of a coxswain is to keep the boat and rowers safe, be in command of the boat at all times, coach the crew, provide motivation and encouragement, and make any necessary tactical decisions. The coxswain acts as the coach's assistant and is responsible for implementing the training regimen or race plan.
Coxswains can use a tiller to steer the boat, or they may use commands for increased "pressure" or strength from rowers on one side of the boat. In extreme cases, the coxswain may go "full tiller", turning the rudder to its maximum angle and enlisting the rowers to help the boat turn faster.
Being a coxswain can be challenging as it requires multitasking and quick decision-making. A successful coxswain must keep track of the drill, time, pace, words of the coach, feel of the boat, direction of the boat, and safety. It can be difficult to steer a boat that is designed for speed rather than maneuverability, and the coxswain must also be able to diagnose problems and coach the crew into corrective action.
