Abstract: A rowing shell adapted for phase shift rowing, seating multiple groups of rowers such that all rowers within a group are seated for synchronous rowing, but each group is seated for asynchronous rowing with respect to the adjacent group. The phase shift rowing overcomes deficiencies encountered In boats supporting unison rowing, and provides greater average velocity for the same power input. The spacing provided between adjacent groups of rowers rowing out of phase is approximately twice or greater than the spacing between adjacent rowers rowing in phase within each group, wherein the spacing is defined by the distance between adjacent oarlock pins.

Abstract: In shells with two, four or eight rowers, a method of rowing is proposed to reduce the stroke cycle velocity variation from that obtained when two, four or eight rowers row in unison. To reduce the stroke cycle velocity variation and to thereby obtain a greater average velocity for the same power input, we propose that individuals or groups of individuals row out of phase with other individuals or groups of individuals comprising the crew of a boat. We refer to this method of rowing as stroke cycle phase shift rowing. In boats with unison rowing, the rowers are evenly spaced with about 1.4 m separating adjacent rowers. To facilitate stroke cycle phase shift rowing, individuals or groups of individuals in a crew are spaced further apart than the spacing for adjacent rowers rowing in unison.