Improving the efficiency of racing shell oars

Abstract

By analysing the forces acting on an oar during the power stroke it is possible to estimate the mean velocity given to a racing shell. Use is made of oarlock force data, obtained experimentally by the Australian Institute of Sport, to obtain accurate predictions in the case of a racing pair. Similar conclusions would hold for boats with any number of oars. The effect of altering the angle between oar shaft and blade is investigated, leading to a suggestion for a design change to improve oar efficiency. Predictions are made of the resulting improvement in boat position in a 2000-metre race.