RESULTS
 |
By Rowing Class
(The results for the single sculls are discussed in more detail than the
other classes and it is advisable to read that section first).
Summary of Results
The mean specific power (Watts per rower) for each rowing class is given
in the following table. This is the power that is required at the oarblade
to propel the boat. (Note that the LW 8+ results are based on estimated
times: there were no LW 8+ events at recent world championships).
| Class |
1X |
2X |
4X |
8+ |
| LW |
271 |
273 |
256 |
239 |
| HW |
347 |
343 |
339 |
310 |
| LM |
397 |
422 |
403 |
384 |
| HM |
517 |
506 |
503 |
493 |
In general, the power for the 1X, 2X and 4X classes are similar within
each weight class. The rowers are assumed to be first class athletes so
this uniformity is expected. The result for the LM 2X class seems
unusual insofar as it is somewhat higher than the results for LM 1X,
LM 4X and LM 8+. On the other hand, the actual race times for the LM 2X
class are in themselves unusual as they are very similar to the HM 2X race
times. The main reason for this seems to be that the LM 2X will be an event
at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, but the LM 1X, LM 4X and LM 8+ will not.
At first glance it seems unusual that the power requirements for the 8+
classes are lower than for the singles, doubles and quads in the same
weight class. Because the race time is shorter for eights, we would
normally expect that the mean specific power would be greater than for the
other classes, which are of longer duration. There are two main reasons for
this apparent anomaly.
- On average, the crew members of the 8+ world champion teams are not as
powerful and efficient as, for example, the world 1X champions. In general,
we expect that the best rowers will tend to favour events where they can
achieve 'personal glory', that is, singles events.
- At this stage, we are comparing scullers with sweepers, and coxless
events with coxed. Sculling is a little more efficient than sweeping and if
the power exerted at the oarblades was converted back to the power exerted
at the handles, with proper attention given to mechanical losses and
efficiencies, then the difference between the power required for the eights
and the other classes would be less than suggested by the results given
here.