Marathon Row Success!

Royal Chester Rowing Club’s challenge to row the length of the River Thames became a successful reality just after 6pm on Tuesday 20th May when they passed under Putney Bridge to complete their 135 mile journey which had started from Lechlade three days earlier. It was at that moment of triumph when they fully appreciated the value of the hours of training and fitness preparation put in over the preceding six months. Hands may have been blistered and joints sore but the sense of achievement in being the first recorded crew to have navigated a racing eight which is over 55 feet long over this stretch of river and against a tight timetable overrode any pain they may have been experiencing.

The benefit of bright and dry weather was balanced by breezy conditions and some strong headwinds creating choppy water that made progress that much tougher. The very helpful co-operation of the Thames lock keepers and advice from the two experienced river guides, Brian and Ann Colborne, accompanying the crew in their pilot launch ensured that the hazards of the journey were minimised.

The result of this success is that the Royal Chester Rowing Club’s Youth Charity and the NeuroMuscular Centre at Winsford, together with all the other  charities and good causes chosen by the crew, will be benefitting from their share of the total being raised – one which is expected to reach the declared target of £15,000.
Our thanks, too, go to all those kind and encouraging supporters who have donated so freely and generously to our charities and good causes.’

Welcome to Royal Chester!

Royal Chester Rowing Club (RCRC), one of the oldest rowing clubs in the country, is dedicated to the support and development of athletes of every level,  from Junior through to senior and veteran international levels, men and women.  We encourage the pursuit of excellence from a young age and have developed one of the most successful youth programmes in the country through the Amateur Rowing Association project Oarsome, the “Young Royals”.

Our clubhouse is situated on The River Dee and we have over 30 kilometers of spectacular rowing water at our disposal. On this stretch we host many events throughout the year including Chester long Distance Sculls, North of England Head of the River Race as well as arguably the worlds oldest Regatta dating from 1733.

Whether you are a raw novice or an experienced oar, we offer full coaching at every level.  New members are always welcome.  Click HERE to get in touch.