Definition

Noun: A racing skiff is a type of racing shell (a long, narrow, lightweight boat) designed for a single rower (single sculler). It is built for speed and competition, featuring a sliding seat, outriggers (riggers) to hold the oarlocks, and a smooth, streamlined hull.

Usage

The term "racing skiff" specifically refers to the boat itself used in the sport of rowing. * The athlete carried her racing skiff to the water's edge for her morning training session. * Maintaining balance in a lightweight racing skiff requires significant skill.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used interchangeably with "single scull" or "racing single" in competitive rowing contexts. However, "skiff" can sometimes imply a slightly broader category of light rowing boats, while "scull" strictly refers to a boat propelled by two oars (sculls) per rower.
  • He competes in the single sculls event using his new carbon-fiber racing skiff.

Variants and Related Words

• Shell (n): The general category of long, narrow racing boats used in rowing. A racing skiff is a type of shell.
• Single scull (n): A near-synonym, specifically denoting a shell for one person using two oars.
• Scull (n): Can refer to one of the two oars used in a sculling boat or, by extension, the boat itself.
• Racing shell (n): The formal term for competitive rowing boats.

Synonyms

• Single scull
• Racing single
• Sculling boat (for one person)

Related Phrases

• To row/paddle a skiff: This describes the action of propelling the boat. Note: In competitive contexts, "row" or "scull" is more precise than "paddle."
  • She learned to scull in a stable training skiff before moving to a fragile racing skiff.

Noun

1. a shell for a single oarsman