On 4th September 1865, 14 gentlemen met in Ingrams’ Hotel for the purpose of organising a Regatta Club on the River Nith. After discussion it was agreed that, The ‘Nith Regatta Club’ be formed. In 1890 the name was changed to Nithsdale Amateur Rowing Club. There had been organised regattas on the river since at least 1790, probably originally between the crews of the ships berthed along the river from Glencaple to the Whitesands. Up to the late 1930s local regattas were contested largely by local crews, who did not travel far afield. However, after the war they became more adventurous and now travel country wide, as do local schools who became affiliated to the Club and, rowing under their own colours, competed in schools and open events. The Crichton University Campus Boat Club has now affiliated to the Club and competes in its own right and in composites with Club crews. Crews from the Club have achieved Scottish and British National Championships and represented Scotland. Our modern boathouse houses a fleet of up to date boats – eights, fours, pairs and singles for rowing and sculling – on the ground floor, while upstairs we have social facilities, changing rooms, and indoor training space and equipment. We welcome experienced rowers, beginners, those interested in competitive rowing and those interested in recreational rowing. If you would like to try rowing with us please contact our Captain, or call at the Club on a Saturday or Sunday morning – we think you will enjoy it.
Brian Snowden - Club President.