FELLOWSHIP OF BOATMEN

Matt Atkinson (BBC Teacher and Rowing Parent)

Whilst the title might sound vaguely similar to Tolkien’s classic fantasy of mythical creatures and magical realms, there is nothing remotely fictional about the entity referred to across the rowing world as ‘the Boatman’. And it is within his or her domain, the boatshed, where the magic definitely happens. As for the mythical part? Well ask any current or former rower or coach and I am sure they will speak in reverent tones about the legendary power and skills, the knowledge and wisdom, not to mention the supreme patience and ability to breathe calmly and deliberately slow their own heartrate, that the Boatman commands.

There is an old saying, that if you need something done, ask a busy person. From the perspective of school rowing, there would not be anyone busier than the Boatman… and yes, that something just got done for you!

If you are reading this now you likely have a son who is, was, or is about to be, on the water competing in a race at the 2023 GPS BBC Regatta, in a boat prepared by your school’s Boatman. I would hazard a guess at the outset that your Boatman knows your son’s name on sight, his crew, the name of his boat and the most recent issue that boat had –and obviously how he fixed it.

Many of you already know the herculean role the Boatman plays in the shed, but for the uninitiated, read on. The role of Boatman covers a broad spectrum, from general management of the day-to-day boatshed operations, to transport logistics for camps and regattas, setting the rigging of oars and boats, minor and major hull repairs, from periodic maintenance to full boat refurbishments, emergency outboard motor servicing, and even boat recovery on the river!

The Boatman regularly supports parents of rowers through his time volunteered to the Rowing Support Group, assisting the group with planning and event days.

It is for these and many other reasons that this article is intended as a celebration of the Boatmen and the critical roles they play in the operation and success of each school rowing program. While this article is unashamedly BBC centric, I am grateful to the six GPS Boatmen who were able to find time in their extremely busy schedules (another character trait of our Boatmen – one more thing) to pen some comments for this article.