answersLogoWhite

0

The coxswain in a rowing shell gives many standard commands to the rowers during a typical outing on the water. The principal commands are for starting ("Ready all ... row"), stopping ("Way enough"), increasing the rowers' stroke rate (for example, "Up two in two" means to increase the rate by two strokes per minute, starting after the next two strokes), and decreasing the stroke rate (e.g., "Down two in two"). The coxswain (pronounced cox'-un) steers the boat by means of cables attached to a small rudder in the boat's stern. This is normally done without commands (although the cox may let the rowers know when s/he is applying pressure to the rudder by saying something like "Steering to starboard [or port]"). When the rudder is insufficient to avoid a collision, or when negotiating a twisty course on a river, the cox commands the rowers to assist in making the boat turn by saying "Harder on port" and/or "Lighter on starboard" to make the boat turn right, or "Harder on starboard" etc. to turn left. When s/he wants the boat to go straight again, the cox will say "Even pressure."

There are many more commands in the cox'n's standard repertoire, but these are the basic ones. One thing a coxswain pretty much NEVER says is "Stroke! Stroke! Stroke!"

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

RafaRafa
There's no fun in playing it safe. Why not try something a little unhinged?
Chat with Rafa
TaigaTaiga
Every great hero faces trials, and you—yes, YOU—are no exception!
Chat with Taiga
RossRoss
Every question is just a happy little opportunity.
Chat with Ross

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What does a coxswain say?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp