watermanship

[ waw-ter-muhn-ship, wot-er- ]

/ ˈwɔ tər mənˌʃɪp, ˈwɒt ər- /

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noun

the skill, duties, business, etc., of a waterman.

skill in rowing or boating.

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Origin of watermanship

First recorded in 1880–85; waterman + -ship

Among University oars, watermanship is oftenest found in those who have rowed as schoolboys.
Boating|W. B. Woodgate
Much as watermanship is needed in a four, it is still more important to possess it when rowing in a pair.
Boating|W. B. Woodgate
It is evident that watermanship of a very high order is needed for this feat.
Rowing|Rudolf Chambers Lehmann
The art of ‘watermanship’ had not then reached its present pitch.
Boating|W. B. Woodgate

Sculling needs more precision and more watermanship than rowing.
Boating|W. B. Woodgate