For a good idea - why not look at videos of Stan Hugill?

The one that brought me up sharp was Stan yanking the down rope and two tars on the pull.

He sang (and all he had breath for I might add) a staccato "Ranzo Boys Ranzo" for the chorus. Now compare that with any Folk Club rendition and they will (replete with pauses for harmonies) sing Ranzo me Boyzzzzz Ranzo.

Having said that I was told by a knowing non-singer that the pace was dictated by the job and a pump shanty went at a fair lick, a lick faster than a lot of Folk Clubbers sing it.

But what do I know - Stan used to say when told it was not that hard by 10 strong choir - you try it in a howling gale with one shantyman and two hauling".

And don't be put off by the bunt-line shanty. But do the research.