The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, Part 4 of 6: The Chariots



The fourth installment of the six-part series by the University of Oxford has been released, this one covering the technology behind the boats used in the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. Here, the brains behind the Oxford flotilla discuss the ways that modern technology has affected racing, and the particular issues that rowers face on the Thames (as well as hint at how they seek to resolve those issues, employing some know-how from experience with Formula 1). Nearly all of the work that riggers do is behind the scenes, but every rower who has ever raced can attest to the importance of rigging, and appreciate the feeling of a finely tuned boat.

Follow these links to view Parts 1, 2, and 3, which introduce the Boat Race, cover student life as an OUBC oarsman, and outline the role of the coxswain on the complicated Tideway course. The 158th Boat Race will take place on 7 April, 2012. For more information, please visit the official website of the Boat Race.

-RR

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