Boat Specs

The boat that is being purchased for the rowing club ( out of the passion and spirit of the Jeppe Old Boys) is a Swift Full Carbon Upgrade (Elite Carbon).

This is a wing rigger eight where all skins will be 100% carbon from end to end. This results in even greater stiffness, especially for longer boats, such 8’s.

Rowing boats need to be stiff so that they support the weight properly, to ensure rigging is predictable and to transfer energy from the blade to the hull effectively.

The carbon fiber, achieves this whilst keeping the weight down.

If the kinetic energy produced by the rower is absorbed by the boat due to a flexible material, there is less energy dedicated to propelling the boat.

This boat will ensure the athletes are given the full opportunity to showcase their talents.

The boat has aptly been named “ Damascus”.

History and context of the name:

Damascus steel was the forged steel of the blades of swords smithed in the Near East from ingots of Wootz steel -imported from Southern India. These swords are characterized by distinctive patterns of banding and mottling reminiscent of flowing water, or in a “ladder” or “teardrop” pattern. Such blades were reputed to be tough, resistant to shattering, and capable of being honed to a sharp, resilient edge.

The reputation and history of Damascus steel has given rise to many legends, such as the ability to cut through a rifle barrel or to cut a hair falling across the blade. Although many types of modern steel outperform ancient Damascus alloys, chemical reactions in the production process made the blades extraordinary for their time, as Damascus steel was superplastic and very hard at the same time.

Chris Midlane connects the name with Jeppe in that; “Damascus steel is forged in layers, with various other alloys to make it unique. Just like the Jeppe old boys. A variety of boys pitching together to fund the boat. Each unique in their own way”