Overview
Royal Chester Rowing Club rows from The Groves on the River Dee, a few minutes' walk from Chester city centre. Formed in 1838 as the Chester Victoria Rowing Club and granted royal patronage in 1840, it is one of the oldest rowing clubs in the country and a founder member of the Amateur Rowing Association. Its 1877 boathouse is still in use. The club has junior, senior and masters squads and a learn-to-row programme. The Dee gives a good 7 km or more of rowing with a 1000 m straight, and visiting crews can book training camps with boat hire, launches and overnight space in the clubhouse.
- Founded
- 1838
- Federation
- British Rowing
- Registry code
- 1188080
On the water with VesselSOS
- Family see you from shoreA live link in any browser – they don’t need the app.
- One tap to the right rescue centreThe app finds the rescue centre for where you are, with your position and call script even without signal.
- Return-time checkIf you’re not back in time, your people know.
- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Racing
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.
No race running right nowSee VesselSOS RacingHistory and achievements
- 1838On 27 May the Chester Victoria Rowing Club is formally organised at Chester Castle
- 1840Royal patronage granted; the club becomes Royal Chester Rowing Club
- 1854The club employs a professional trainer and builds 'Victoria', an early keel-less racing boat
- 1856The keel-less eight 'Eugenie' wins at Henley
- 1877The boathouse on the Dee is built; it still stands
- 1882Founder member of the Amateur Rowing Association
- 1975A women's section is started
- 1980A club oarsman wins Olympic silver in the GB eight in Moscow
Location
- Position
- 53°11.36′ N 2°52.85′ W
53.18926, -2.88088 - Address
- The Groves
Frequently asked
When was Royal Chester Rowing Club founded?
In 1838.
Where is Royal Chester Rowing Club?
The Groves.