How a match works, in a minute

How a rowing race works

Up to six crews race side by side, each in its own lane, over 2,000 metres of straight water.
There are nine boat classes, from the single sculls for one rower to the eight with eight rowers and a coxswain, who steers and does not row. In sculling each rower has two oars; otherwise each has one.
The starter calls "Attention!", shows a red flag or light, and gives the start. Crews must stay in their own lane for the whole race.
The first boat to get its bow to the finish line wins. When there are more crews than lanes, the event runs in heats, semifinals and finals; Final A decides the medals.