But, even so, the duties entailed in following a race did not diminish the dead time that starts between the end of one race and the beginning of the next. Imagine the relief as the waving of the white flag signifies that for 14 minutes, the referee's primary duty is to get back to the start in time for the next assigned race. Now, indeed do the several layers of clothing prove their worth. A cotton T shirt under a long sleeve shirt, covered by a sweater under a Navy blue jacket all hidden under the Rowing BC officials' windbreaker suggests that as an official I am well prepared for the trip, unlike the boat driver who is clad only in a skimpy T shirt. At least, it appears the driver is better protected than the crews who are warming up as they head to the start dressed in racing singlets.
Appearances can be so deceptive.
The combination of boat's speed and wind make a mockery of every stitch of clothing including the windbreaker. As for the crews, one can only wonder at what was warming up. The driver, on the other hand is enjoying the wind and the spray. His designer sunglasses reflect the sun and the waves. He is very adept at driving the boat which I find strange since he tells me he was born in Arabia, plays soccer and rides camels.