As long as rowing has been referenced, like many physical activities, it has always had a strong sporting-type affiliation with itself. Egyptian inscriptions have documented that the powerful warrior Amenhotep was indeed a skilled rower, while 13th century Venetian celebrations always included boat races as well.
Rowing has been documented for quite a long time, and as long as there has been rowing, there is sure to be racing as well. In terms of ‘modern’ day rowing, races among the River Thames in London were common among the professional watermen there – think ‘water taxis!’ The Doggett’s Coat and Badge race began in 1715 and still has managed to continue on to this day. Furthermore, throughout the 19th century, these races became somewhat of a spectacle, gathering large crowds and providing a source of entertainment for the masses of people, similar to modern day sporting events. These races consisted among professional rowers who would compete in prized matches among various rivers consisting throughout Great Britain. The river Tyne was an essential racing spot for rowers. As for races in America, the first race began in 1756 between a pettiauger (perriauger) and a Cape Cod whaleboat. In an undoubtedly heated race, the pettiauger proved victorious.
Amateur competition began sprouting up in England during the end of the 18th century. Notable rowing clubs which existed at this time period consisted of the Manarch Boat Club of Eton College, the Isis Club of Westminster School, as well as The Star Club and Arrow club for those not in school. The University of Oxford had its first bumping race in 1815 while recorded races at Cambridge did not begin until 1827. Notably, Brasenose took claim to be Oxford University’s first Head of the River and the claim of the ‘oldest established boat club in the world.” The race between Oxford University and Cambridge University in 1829 was the second most intercollegiate sporting event. Increased popularity for boat races would express itself in many ways. The town Henley would begin hosting its annual regatta in 1839.
Furthermore in the history of rowing, founding in 1818, the Leander Club is the world’s ‘oldest public rowing club.’ The Der Hamburger und Germania Ruder Club, which was founded in 1836, takes the title as the second oldest club and pushed off rowing as an established and organized sport in Germany. Gambled, wagered matches throughout North America and England would attract large crowds. The first exclusively rowing club in the United States was the Detroit Boat Club, established in 1839. The first American college rowing club was formed at Yale University in 1843. Furthermore, America’s oldest intercollegiate sporting even is the Harvard-Yale Regatta, which has been continuing since 1852 when in times of peace.
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