Overview
Vesta Rowing Club has rowed from Putney Embankment since 1890, at the start of the Championship Course on the tidal Thames. Founded in 1870, it has over 400 members and takes complete beginners through a learn-to-row course and a novice programme into senior, women's and masters squads. Vesta organises two of the big Tideway head races: the Vesta Scullers Head, first raced in 1954 and the UK's largest race for single scullers, and the Vesta International Masters Head of the River Race, both raced on the ebb tide from Mortlake to Putney.
- Founded
- 1870
- Members
- about 400 (club figure)
- Federation
- British Rowing
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.
Regattas and series
Run or hosted by the club, per the club website. Dates and notices are on the club site.
- Vesta Scullers Headsingle sculls from Mortlake to Putney; 19 September 2026
- Vesta International Masters Head of the River Raceeights and quads over the 4.2-mile Championship Course; 29 March 2026
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 RacingCourses
History and achievements
- 1870The club is founded and named after the first boat to pass under London Bridge, a tug called Vesta
- 1875Moves to the Unity boathouse in Putney
- 1890Moves into its present clubhouse next door
- 1908A club sculler wins Olympic gold at Henley
- 1930Wins the Thames Challenge Cup at Henley
- 1936A fire in December destroys records, trophies and some 30 boats
- 1954The Vesta Scullers Head is first raced
Location
- Position
- 51°28.17′ N 0°13.23′ W
51.46948, -0.22050 - Address
- Putney Embankment
Frequently asked
Does Vesta Rowing Club run courses?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Learn to Row and Novice programme.
When was Vesta Rowing Club founded?
In 1870.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Vesta Scullers Head and Vesta International Masters Head of the River Race.