Rowing Like A Cocksman: Choosing The Right Boat

Rowing is a sport that has featured in every Olympic Games since 1900. Rowing boats are typically categorised into two types: 'sweep' rowing, where each rower has one oar, and 'sculling', where each rower has two oars. Rowing boats, also known as 'shells', usually have one, two, four or eight seats. In a rowing crew, the coxswain (colloquially known as the 'cox' or 'coxie') is a member who does not row but faces the bow and is responsible for steering the boat, coordinating the power and rhythm of the rowers, and ensuring their safety. The etymology of the word 'coxswain' gives a literal meaning of 'boat servant', derived from 'cock', referring to the 'cockboat', and 'swain', an Old English term meaning 'boy' or 'servant'. Interestingly, the term cocksman has a very different meaning, referring to a man known for his sexual prowess or promiscuity.

Who is a coxswain?

A coxswain, or cox for short, is a crew member who does not row but is in charge of a boat and its crew. The word comes from the Old English "cock," referring to a cockboat (a type of ship's boat), and "swain," meaning boy or servant. Thus, a coxswain was literally a "boat servant."

In rowing, the coxswain sits in either the bow or the stern of the boat, facing the rowers, and is responsible for steering, speed, timing, and fluidity. They are also in charge of crew safety, which is their primary duty. The coxswain acts as an assistant coach, implementing the training regimen or race plan, and taking on the role of the coach during a race. They are also responsible for knowing proper rowing technique and running drills to improve the technique.

A coxswain must be able to diagnose problems and coach the crew into corrective action. They need to be able to take the crew through a technical and physical warm-up, and work in harmony with the coach at all times. 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.

In racing, coxswains may be of either sex, regardless of the sex of the rowers. They are often women, as they are more likely to be near the ideal weight of a cox: 125 lbs for USRowing and 55 kg for World Rowing. However, weight is generally considered less important than steering, coaching, and motivational ability.

In the military, the term coxswain has been used to refer to a senior deck officer in charge of steering, as well as the pilots of landing craft.

What is their role?

A coxswain, or 'cox', is a crew member who does not row but is responsible for directing the boat and the crew. The role of a coxswain is to steer the boat, coordinate the power and rhythm of the rowers, and ensure the safety of the crew. They are also responsible for motivating the crew and providing feedback on their performance. In the absence of a coach, the cox takes on this role, too.

The coxswain sits in either the bow or the stern of the boat, depending on the type of boat, and controls the steering, speed, timing, and fluidity of the boat. They are in command of the boat at all times and are accountable under maritime law as the 'Master of the vessel' in the event of a collision.

A successful coxswain must keep track of the drill, time, pace, coach's instructions, feel of the boat, direction of the boat, and safety. They are responsible for calling the moves and responding to the movement of other boats during a race.

In addition to their responsibilities during a race, coxswains are also responsible for implementing the training regimen or race plan. They may also be required to go through a qualification procedure and maintain certification to be a coxswain.

What is the origin of the word?

The word "cocksman" is derived from \"cock\", referring to the cockboat, a type of ship's boat, and "swain", an Old English term derived from the Old Norse "sveinn", meaning boy or servant. The word "cocksman" was first used in 1463 to refer to the person in charge of a boat, particularly its navigation and steering. Over time, the term evolved to refer to the helmsman of any boat, regardless of its size.

The term "coxswain" or "cockswain" originally referred to the swain (boy servant) in charge of the small cock or cockboat that was kept aboard for the ship's captain. The cockboat was used to row the captain to and from the ship. With the passing of time and the obsolescence of the term "cockboat", the coxswain became the person in charge of a ship's boat, regardless of its type or size.

In the context of rowing, the coxswain is a crew member who does not row but is responsible for steering the boat and coordinating the power and rhythm of the rowers. They sit facing the bow and act as an assistant coach or team captain.

It is worth noting that the term "cocksman" has also taken on a separate slang meaning, referring to a man known for his sexual prowess or promiscuity. This usage of the word combines "cock's", the genitive of "cock" meaning penis, and "man". The first known use of "cocksman" in this sense was around 1896.

What are the different types of rowing boats?

Rowing boats are typically classified into two categories: 'sweep' rowing and 'sculling'. Sweep rowing involves each rower using a single oar, while sculling involves each rower using two oars, one in each hand. Rowing boats are also classified according to the number of rowers they can accommodate, with common configurations including one, two, four, or eight rowers.

Sweep rowing boats, or sweep boats, can be further categorized based on the presence or absence of a coxswain (or 'cox')—the person in charge of the boat's navigation and steering. A coxless pair, also known as a straight pair, has two rowers, each with one oar, and one of the rowers steers the boat through a rudder connected to their shoe. A coxed pair, on the other hand, includes a coxswain who directs the athletes and steers the boat using a rudder attached to cables. Similarly, a coxless four has four rowers, each with a single oar, while a coxed four includes a coxswain. The coxed eight is the fastest boat on the water and includes eight rowers, each with a single oar, and a coxswain.

Sculling boats are categorized based on the number of rowers and the presence or absence of a coxswain. A single scull, also known as a single or 1x, has one rower who uses a pair of sculls to steer the boat by controlling the pressure on the blades in the water. A double scull, or 2x, has two rowers, each with a pair of sculls, who steer using the same technique as the single sculler. A coxless quad consists of four rowers, each with two oars, and usually requires one of the athletes to steer with their foot. A coxed quad includes a coxswain to steer the boat and is typically used by beginners or juniors. An octuple scull is a rare configuration, used only by beginners, and includes eight rowers with a pair of sculls each and a coxswain to steer.

What does a cocksman symbolise in a business context?

In the context of rowing, a coxswain (or "cox") is a crew member who does not row but is responsible for steering the boat and coordinating the power and rhythm of the rowers. The role of a coxswain is to keep the boat and rowers safe, be in command of the boat, coach the crew, provide motivation and encouragement, and make tactical decisions.

In a business context, a coxswain or "cocksman" can symbolise a frontline manager. Just as a coxswain is responsible for setting the pace and providing direction for a rowing crew, a frontline manager is responsible for setting the pace and providing direction for their team within an organisation.

A frontline manager is the person who is directly responsible for overseeing the work of a group of employees and ensuring that tasks are completed effectively and efficiently. They are often the first point of contact for their team members and play a crucial role in communicating between upper management and the frontline employees.

Like a coxswain, a frontline manager needs to have strong leadership and communication skills to motivate and direct their team. They need to be able to provide clear instructions and feedback, as well as address any issues or concerns that may arise. Frontline managers also play an important role in talent development, as they are often responsible for training and mentoring employees, helping them to improve their skills and knowledge.

In addition, frontline managers are often responsible for providing feedback to upper management about the performance of their team and the overall progress of projects. They may also be involved in strategic planning and decision-making, contributing their insights and ideas to help the organisation achieve its goals.

Overall, the cocksman or coxswain in a business context symbolises the essential role of frontline managers in setting the pace, providing direction, and ensuring the successful execution of tasks by their team.

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