Competitive rowing in Hamilton can be traced back to the 19th century. The first recorded matches occurred in the mid-1870s. On two separate occasions the legendary Ned Hanlan raced and won on Hamilton waters. It is not recorded that an east wind prevented many other races, but it is safe to assume this to be true. In the heyday of the sport, it was common for such races to attract upwards of ten thousand spectators, this was likely due to the lack of reality TV and TSN in those backwards days.
In 1877 on the pilings at the end of Bastine’s Dock at the foot of Peel Street, the Leander Rowing Club was born. This is not to be confused with the Leander Boat Club of current fame. The greatest Hamilton club of the age, the ‘redoubtable’ Nautilus Club was established the following year by local glassworkers. One can only assume that this was because they didn’t want to row at Leander. After some years the former decided to shut up shop and ceased operations in 1895: the Nautilus men, not willing to be out done did likewise. Thinking it a good idea to have another try at the oar the Hamilton Rowing Club moved into the old Leander boathouse in 1900. Wanting a change of scenery in 1907 – primarily due to a disastrous fire – the club relocated to the power house at the foot of James Street. This club followed the path of the previous two and folded in 1925. Hamiltonians, however, would not have to wait long for yet another rowing club to take up the flame.
It was the 1970s that saw the greatest changes at the club. There was no fire, the lease was not cut short, the building remained as it still does, so what’s all the fuss about then you say? Women! Yes, women were finally allowed to row and row they did.
