Fixed seat rowing goes to the next level

By Melissa Bray

Fixed seat rowing Gozzi-style

Italy is going backwards, but, unlike the standard racing skiffs, there’s no sliding seat involved. Bogliasco, Italy’s north-west coast surfing town will host the first ever European Cup for fixed seat rowing. The competition, the Gozzi European Cup, will be held on 7 July, 2007.

Historically rowing was a fixed seat pursuit, but adaptations aimed at increasing the speed of the boat meant a sliding seat became the norm for top level racing. But fixed seat rowing remained, primarily for recreation use and now a following has grown for the competitive fixed seat rowers.

To describe fixed seat rowing briefly for those immersed in the world of standard racing skiffs, the boats are much wider, the oars are placed in pivoting oarlocks, the handles rarely overlap and the blades dip into the water on each stroke before being lifted clear of the water on the recovery phase of the stroke. Rowing at a steady state pace means stroking at about 25 – 30 strokes per minute and the time through the water for the blade is about equal to the time out of the water.

Bogliasco is a popular summer destination for both Italian and foreign tourist and large crowds are expected to watch the Gozzi European Cup.

Gozzi racing

The Gozzi is described as a typical fishing boat of Italy’s Ligurian coastal region. It is 6m long and 0.75m wide. The minimum weight is 35kg. The standard gozzi holds four rowers and a coxswain.

Organisers had excitement in mind when they designed the programme: a mass start, a 375m dash, a buoy turn, another 375m dash, then a repeat the course, with the final rush to the finish line – 1500m of pure adrenalin. Added to this, racing will be by night.

"Happy" boats racing

Racing begins at 9pm with a promotional “happy” boat race – two rowers and a coxswain designed for children and families – at 7pm.

Organisers are expecting fixed seat rowers from throughout Europe and already interest has been shown by Wales, Switzerland, Ireland, France, Monaco and Great Britain.

The organising committee will offer free accommodation to crews (four rowers, one coxswain and coach) for two nights and will supply boats for all participants.

Race information: iscrizioni@ficsf.it

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