<P> For centuries, the gondola was the chief means of transportation and most common watercraft within Venice . In modern times, the boats still do have a role in public transport in the city, serving as traghetti small (ferries) over the Grand Canal operated by two oarsmen . For some years there were seven traghetti, but by 2017, the number had been reduced to three . </P> <P> Various types of gondola boats are also used in special regattas (rowing races) held amongst gondoliers . Their primary role today, however, is to carry tourists on rides at fixed rates . There are approximately 400 licensed gondoliers in Venice and a similar number of boats, down from the thousands that travelled the canals centuries ago . However, they are now elegant craft instead of the various types of shabby home made boats of the distant past . </P> <P> The gondola is propelled by a person (the gondolier) who stands facing the bow and rows with a forward stroke, followed by a compensating backward stroke . The oar rests in an elaborately carved wooden rest (forcola) shaped to project from the side of the craft so as to allow the slight drag of each return stroke to pull the bow back to its forward course . Because of the vessel's flat bottom it may also be "drifted" sideways when required . Contrary to popular belief, the gondola is never poled like a punt as the waters of Venice are too deep . Until the early 20th century, as many photographs attest, gondolas were often fitted with a "felze", a small cabin, to protect the passengers from the weather or from onlookers . Its windows could be closed with louvered shutters--the original "Venetian blinds". </P> <P> After the elimination of the traditional felze--possibly in response to tourists' complaining that it blocked the view--there survived for some decades a kind of vestigial summer awning, known as the "tendalin" (these can be seen on gondolas as late as the mid-1950s, in the film Summertime (1955)). While in previous centuries gondolas could be many different colors, a sumptuary law of Venice required that gondolas should be painted black, and they are customarily so painted now . </P>

Who are gondoliers and what do they do in venice
find me the text answering this question