A highly specialized, lightweight rowing boat designed for competitive racing, seating eight rowers in a single line. Each rower pulls a single sweep oar, alternating sides down the length of the boat, while a coxswain sits in the stern to steer and direct the crew. These shells are built for maximum speed and minimal drag on flat water.
Heard on the job
We need to get the eight out of the boathouse and rigged before the morning wind picks up.
Insider tip
While casual observers call it a boat, rowers refer to it as a shell or simply an eight.
Also heard as
- racing eight
- shell