Steering Buoyed Courses

Got a question from a coxswain asking about buoyed courses…

Q: I was wondering, when steering buoyed 2k courses, do you use really distant points or the buoys? It’s kinda hard to see that far…

A:  Exactly, it is far to see down to the finish line of a 2k course.  That is why when I steer a buoyed course, I make sure the two buoy lines are going symmetrically into the rowers’ heads or necks depending on how tall you sit in the seat.  I also make sure to keep equal distance on both the port side and starboard side blades by using my peripheral vision.  That way you can use your forward point and lateral point together to make sure that your are physically in the center of the lane and cruising parallel to both buoy lines.  Using one absolute point in the distance without using the buoy lines as well will cause you to not be aware of where you physically are in the lane.  That probably will result in you driving-by-braille and hitting too many buoys or swerving too much to avoid the buoy line.  

Multiple bow points and lateral points will help you become more aware of where you need to be in the lane.

Steer straight!!

mwhip+

Tags: Add new tag, buoys, racing, steering

Posted at Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 in: Coxswain Q & A