As the gig rowing fleet gears up for the eagerly anticipated 2012 World Pilot Gig Championships on the Isles of Scilly, it’s fun to see that over a hundred years ago that decisions on the best boat to use, selecting which rower is best for which seat and discussions on diet, training, coaching and technique were as hotly debated as now. The excellent online copy of “On Rowing” is available at http://www.gutenberg.org/files/34950/34950-h/34950-h.htm. The sections on the types of rowers required at each seat [...]