business backgrounder | industry
line process with prefabricated carbon fiber materials, which is
less controllable, according to Buch.
Each Pocock boat is constructed from different weaves of
carbon fiber fabric that, once cut to specification, can be stored in
a small cardboard box no bigger than two shoe boxes. The shells
are then formed on prefabricated molds using the carbon fiber
and Epoxy resin.
Unidirectional carbon fiber weave makes up the boat’s
hull and mimics wood planks with grain going all the same
direction. Other parts of the boat are constructed of various
carbon fiber weaves, which along with a foam core, create a
light, stiff and responsive racing shell that offers rowers the
excellent performance for which the boats are known.
Boats are completed onsite, inspected for precision and leave
the shop race ready. They are then shipped via trailer around
the country. The logistics of moving the boats, some of which
are longer than a semi, is complicated, Buch said, but they have
it “down to a science.”
While the materials have changed, the concept and culture
behind the boats built by Pocock Racing Shells remains true to
the wooden boats built in George’s day.
new materials also ushered in new design
possibilities
more maneuverable and have a more functional interior and
updated look.
company’s leadership carries on pocock legacy
The company is now run by Bill Tytus, a long-time friend of
the Pocock family who first met George when he was 12. Tytus
rowed competitively in high school and college, and represented
the USA on the National Team.
Tytus was chosen to take over Stanley Pocock’s role in 1985
because of his affinity for the boats and the family. His son John,
who helps run the company now, was born in the 1970s, long
before his father was picked to lead the company, and given the
middle name Pocock. A fitting, if not foretelling, tribute.
George Pocock’s iconic racing shells may have been made
famous by the 1936 Olympic gold medal and those determined
boys in the boat, but the company has remained a leading
manufacturer of elite rowing equipment by staying true to the
craft of hand-building
fast, dynamic boats using
Pocock Racing Shells
ingenuity and innovation.
www.Pocock.com
And by not being afraid
t o e m b ra c e t h e n ex t
Pocock Video
generation’s material.
bit.ly/Video1936USOlympicRowingWin
Pocock was the first to build a monocoque hull, or a
boat that is assembled in two pieces, top and bottom.
This assembly technique, along with the pioneering of
several innovations, such as the first carbon fiber wing
rigger, or the rowing mechanism that holds the oars, have
subsequently been adopted industry wide.
The company only distributes within the United States
and focuses on serving American college and university
rowing programs. Serving a small niche allows the
company to serve the programs well and build strong
relationships with schools across the country, Buch says.
One such college program continues to be the one at
the University of Washington. So, it was no surprise the
men’s rowing team became th