Our History

Our History

BCRC was formed in April 2011 by a small group of enthusiasts and has grown to approximately 65 members; the Club is open to anyone interested in getting afloat and enjoying some exercise in beautiful surroundings with like-minded people. Whether you’re competitive, or just want to get out in a boat and socialise, the Club will have a warm welcome for you.
We have a full calendar of events ranging from regular sessions in Brightlingsea to exploring the many creeks on the River Colne, and even trips further afield (look under Events for the current list). Racing is encouraged and the Club participated in many events this year ranging from local town regattas to the 21 mile Great River Race in London, and the Harker’s Yard Gigs’ Winter Series is proving very popular.

We are a member club of British Rowing Click Here

Starting out with a preloved Admiralty Sailing Boat (ASC) rowing was hard and unattractive in our early days.  Fortunately, circumstances were about to align and shape our club to how it is today.  The Pioneer Trust, a local boat builder, based in Harkers Yard, Brightlingsea, were looking to provide apprentices with skills in the construction of traditional wooden boats.   This coincided with a local architect who had drawn plans for a traditional wooden four oared rowing gig.  We decided to apply to Sport England for a grant and were successful in winning funds,  ‘Velocity’ Gig number 1 was purchased 2012 From the Pioneer Trust.  Her vibrant red colour and ease of rowing made her a great spectacle for the towns folk as they viewed her on the water.  With our new Gig attracting many new members, the club decided to re-apply for more grant funding and again were successful in receiving funds to purchase Gig number 2 ‘Vanduara’.  The club has never looked back and has grown from strength to strength each year since.