Lane 6

Question
Is lane 6 on the Schuylkill River really a disadvantage? For example if six 5:00 pulling crews were to race, would lane 6 end up losing because of the the island? If so, is there anything lane 6 could do to not be at a disadvantage(such as "sneak" into lane 5 if that crew were slower)?

Answer
Hi Tom: Interesting question.  I raced on the Schuylkill for many years.  I would say that as long as your coxswain is competent, lane assignment should be a wash.

In a 2000 meter race, Lane 6 has a tactical advantage in that the starting line is staggered and the Lane 6 boat should be ahead at the start of the race if the boat is any good.  The prominent curve around Strawberry Mansion Bridge negates that.  Crews in the east lanes (1 to 3) typically call a power 10 here as this serves as a slingshot.  It is typically at the bridge where the better crew will take the lead and hold it.  Once through the bridge, at the point you can see the lane markings, it all evens out.  It's all basic navigation from there and Peter's Island should not even be an issue if you keep the lane markers at the quarter mile point and Strawberry Mansion bridge in line with each other.

Of course, higher seeded boats will get the middle lanes, but that is with any course.

The bottom line is that lane assignment should be a non-factor in good crews with good coxswains.

Regards/AP