Feather the blade

Posted by David FG January 17, 2010 at 21:02In reply to Feather the blade posted by Vicky Parry on January 17, 2010 at 16:49:

Does anyone know the origin of the phrase "to feather the blade" in rowing? it means to roll the blade flat as it comes out of the water.

I have always assumed it is because by holding the blade horizontally it becomes more aerodynamically efficient - cutting through the air - in the manner of a feather.

DFG