VENETIAN ROWING


The boats of Venetian lagoon are noteworthy not only for their beauty and variety, but also for their peculiar rowing system. The oarsman stands face forward and, depending on the different type of boats, uses either a single long oar or two crossed oars on the entire surface of the typical oarlocks, called fórcole. Thanks to this rowing technique the gondola cruises the narrow canals in Venice (rii Glossary ) and is able to cross other boats, to pivot and to stop without any visible effort.
Venetian rowing is particularly efficient: the rower covers long distances almost effortlessly, furthermore - thanks to his standing position - he can spot in advance any obstacle and locate the twisted gaps (ghèbi) among the shoals.

Rowing technique.

Oars and oarlocks.

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