seat) The rower closest to the front or bow of a multi-person shell. In coxless boats, often the person who keeps an eye on the water behind them to avoid accidents. Bowside (UK) Any sweep rower who rows with the oar on the bowside (usually, the right or starboard side) of the boat. Coxswain or "cox" The oar-less crew-member, usually included, who is responsible for steering and race strategy. The coxswain either sits in the stern or lies in the bow of the boat, and faces in the direction of travel. Engine room The middle rowers in the boat. In an 8-person shell, these are generally seats 6, 5, 4 and 3. They are generally the biggest and strongest rowers, who provide most of the power to the boat. Also called Power House. Hammer A rower known more for their powerful pulling rather than technical rowing proficiency. Heavyweight A rower who weighs more than the limit for lightweight rowing. Often referred to as Open weight. Lightweight A rower whose weight allows them to be eligible to compete in lightweight rowing events. Novices or novicing Rowers who are rowing for their first year, or (in the UK) a rower who has not won a qualifying regatta. Port (US) A sweep rower who rows with the oar on the port or left side of the boat. This means that the oar blade is placed to the rower's right side. Sculler A rower who rows with two oars, one in each hand. Seat number A rower's position in the boat counting up from the bow. In an eight, the person closest to the bow of the boat is 1 or "bow," the next is 2, followed by 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and finally 8 or "stroke." In certain countries the seats are numbered the opposite way, from stroke up to bow. Starboard (US) A sweep rower who rows with the oar on the starboard or right side of the boat. This means that the oar blade is placed to the rower's left side. Stroke or stroke seat The rower closest to the stern of the boat, responsible for the stroke rate and rhythm. Stroke side (UK) Any sweep rower who rows with the oar on the stroke side (usually, the left or port side) of the boat. Sweep A style of rowing in which each rower uses one oar. Wash The wake