One of the oldest continuous sporting events in the world is the Doggett's Coat and Badge rowing race, held in London every year since 1716 and named for Thomas Doggett, a popular actor of early 18th cent. The most famous of all rowing races are the Thames River competitions between Oxford and Cambridge, first held at Henley in 1829. The first collegiate rowing regatta in the United States took place in 1852 between Harvard and Yale. In modern racing, each member of the rowing team, or crew, uses both hands to pull one oar through the water. The oars, attached to riggings jutting out from the side of the boats to increase leverage, are positioned alternately on opposite sides of the vessel.
Sculling is a variant of rowing in which the rower controls two oars, one in each hand.
Rowing and sculling events have been included in the Olympic games since 1900. Listing from Electric Library , a pay service. Copyright 2001 Infonautics Corporation . All rights reserved. The row less taken.