The narrow boat

Afloat

Amidst a flotilla

Not a scintilla

Of hesitation

Amongst bows and oars

And awesome

Bodies bronzed

With sock tans

Worn by zootie fans

In caps and attitude

To settle old feuds

About which first eight

Would win this race

And claim their place

In history

While the novice

Nobbled by nerves

Trembles

Wistfully