The boats used in the St. John’s Regatta require a coxswain and six rowers. The seats are fixed (unable to slide or move) and are staggered, rather than being directly behind each other as in sliding seat boats.
The bow of the boat is closest to rower #1 and is quite narrow to allow the boat to glide through the water. The stern of the boat has a rudder attached. The coxswain sits in the stern of the boat where he or she can use the rudder to steer the boat.
The foot board that is in the boat is a metal plate that can move to fit rowers of different heights. Rowers are permitted to attach a custom foot board to the existing metal foot board which may be more comfortable and allow a better push with the feet.
The seats are fixed to the boat but many rowers slide on the seat to get a better drive. See Rules and Regulations for the rules regarding seat lubricants. [Note: this image is outdated as new fiberglass seats are now installed]
The oarlock attached to the boat holds the oar in place and allows it to move on different angles to the boat. The gate is on top of the oarlock allows entry and removal of the oar and keeps the oar from slipping out. The gate should be between the oar collar and the blade with the knob facing the inside of the boat.
The oars used are standard sweep rowing oars with the Macon style blade. The oar contains a ‘collar’ that pushes against the oarlock and prevents the oar from slipping out of the oarlock.
The rudder is attached to the stern of the boat. Ropes are attached to the rudder to allow the coxswain to steer the boat.
Fixed Seat Rowing 