The oar remains out of the water as the rower begins recovery, moving his hands away from the body and past his knees. The body follows the hands and the sliding seat moves forward until, knees bent, the rower is ready for the next catch. Whoever completes the course in the shortest amount of time wins. Most courses are divided into six buoyed lanes, allowing six boats to participate at any one time. This racing utilizes a double-elimination system which means each participant gets at least two opportunities to row.
Heats are first.
Depending upon the number of entries, one to three crews will advance to a semi-final Everybody else goes to a repechage or rep. In international competition, those from the semis who don't advance to the final row in a consolation race, called a Petite Final, which determines places 7-12. Olympic year for open and lightweight men and women. The Junior World Championships are also conducted each year at a different site. In 1996, lightweight rowing events will premier in the Olympic Games.