A fórcola (plural fórcole) is the rowlock or oarpost used in traditional Venetian boats, the most well-known type of boat being the gondola. Fórcole are unlike any other type of rowlock because of the unique rowing position of the oarsman: he stands facing forward and, in craft like the gondola, propels and manouevres the boat with a single oar.

The oars used in Venetian rowing have a fairly simple form but they must have certain characteristics and precise details to optimise this unique style of rowing. The central shaft in ramin is made of a long cylinder (man e giròn) inserted into the trapezoidal blade with two lateral trims in beech (corteli).

If you are visiting Venice, you can see fórcole being made at Saverio Pastor's workshop on the Fondamenta Soranzo - a quiet canalside near the Guggenheim Collection (boat stop: La Salute).

Scale models of fórcole and books about traditional Venetian rowing can also be purchased at the online shop with PayPal or credit card.