Overview
The Koninklijke Roeivereniging Club Gent was founded on 15 June 1871 as the Club Nautique de Gand; it is Ghent’s oldest rowing club and a founding member of the Royal Belgian Rowing Federation. In 1906 a Ghent eight with club rowers won the Grand Challenge Cup at Henley, after which the club received the Royal title; the quay by its old clubhouse has been called the Henleykaai ever since. Since 1961 the club has been at the Watersportbaan, a straight 2,000 m still-water course, with a clubhouse, brasserie and a sports hostel for 32 guests. It offers racing and recreational rowing, learn-to-row courses for juniors from 11–12 and adults, and every September runs its International Regatta (130th edition in 2026).
- Founded
- 1871
- Registry code
- 0400.048.388
On the water with VesselSOS
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- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Regattas and series
Run or hosted by the club, per the club website. Dates and notices are on the club site.
- Club Gent International Regatta130th edition in 2026, with the Belgian Open Sprint Cup and the Triptych (1000, 250 and 2000 m) on the Watersportbaan
Live map, a start clock on every phone and results — when the club runs a race on VesselSOS Racing, it shows up here. Racing is a pilot with clubs for the 2027 season.
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History and achievements
- 1871Founded on 15 June as the Club Nautique de Gand
- 1894Clubhouse on what is now the Henleykaai
- 1906Grand Challenge Cup at Henley with a combined Ghent eight; Royal title
- 1929First Club–Sport match on the Brugse Vaart
- 1941Women admitted as members for the first time
- 1955Last regatta at Terdonk; the Watersportbaan becomes the new home
- 1961New clubhouse on the Watersportbaan opened
- 2011140 years; renewed building and sports hostel
- 2021150th anniversary with an exhibition at the STAM museum
Location
- Position
- 51°2.76′ N 3°42.20′ E
51.04601, 3.70335 - Address
- Yachtdreef 2
Frequently asked
Does Royal Rowing Club Ghent run courses?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Learn to row, Recreational rowing and Competitive rowing.
When was Royal Rowing Club Ghent founded?
In 1871.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Club Gent International Regatta.