What are the different boats in rowing?
B · Beginner · Boats, crews and the course · 4 of 5World Rowing recognises nine boat classes, from the single sculls for one rower to the eight with eight rowers and a coxswain. The code gives the number of rowers, then "x" for sculling, where each rower has two oars, and "+" or "-" for a boat with or without a coxswain.
How it works
| Code | Name | Rowers | Oars each | Coxswain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1x | Single sculls | 1 | 2 | No |
| 2x | Double sculls | 2 | 2 | No |
| 2- | Pair | 2 | 1 | No |
| 2+ | Coxed pair | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| 4x | Quadruple sculls | 4 | 2 | No |
| 4x+ | Coxed quadruple sculls | 4 | 2 | Yes |
| 4- | Four | 4 | 1 | No |
| 4+ | Coxed four | 4 | 1 | Yes |
| 8+ | Eight | 8 | 1 | Yes |
- Sculling and sweep: in sculling a rower holds one oar in each hand. In sweep rowing a rower holds one longer oar with both hands. The rule book lists the classes and does not define the two words, which are common usage.
- Event names: a letter in front gives the category: M for men, W for women, L for lightweight, B for under 23, J for under 19, Mix for mixed. LM2x is the lightweight men's double sculls.
- The world championship programme: senior men and women each race the 1x, 2x, 2-, 4x, 4- and 8+. Lightweights race the 1x and 2x. There is a mixed eight and five para rowing events.
Tricky cases
Is a pair the same as a double?
No. Both hold two rowers. In a pair (2-) each rower has one oar. In a double (2x) each has two.
Does every eight have a coxswain?
Yes. The only eight on the list is the 8+.
Are all nine classes raced at the world championships?
No. The senior programme has six: 1x, 2x, 2-, 4x, 4- and 8+. The coxed pair, coxed four and coxed quadruple sculls are recognised classes that are not on the senior men's or women's programme, though the coxed four is raced in para rowing.
Why the rule exists
Fixing the list of classes lets crews from different countries meet in the same event with the same number of rowers and oars. The codes are short enough to fit a results page and still say everything about the boat.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Rowing rules | As above | RR 25; RR 26 |
| Olympic Games | The programme is set by the IOC. The rule book says the 2028 list "will be updated" after confirmation | RR 27 and bye-law |
| Para rowing | Classes PR1, PR2 and PR3, with their own regulations | RR 24; RR 26 |
| Coastal, beach sprint and indoor rowing | Separate rule books | RR 26 |
From the rule book
World Rowing Rules of Racing and Related Bye-Laws (Overall and Classic Rowing), Rules 24 to 28. Last updated 1 July 2025. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Rowing Rules of Racing (PDF).