Do you see those rowers in pink? They likely belong to Westminster School Boat Club. It is on the River Thames. Welcome to a place steeped in rowing history.
Westminster School Boat Club is more than just a sports club. It is reputedly the oldest rowing club in the world. The club’s story is woven into the very fabric of Westminster School.
Let’s step back to the early 19th century. Official records go back to 1813. Rowing at Westminster was already a well-established tradition. For a rowing match against Eton College on 4 May 1837 Westminster chose pink as their color. Before this race both schools wore blue.
Imagine the excitement of that race. Westminster emerged victorious. The school secured pink as its color. This bold choice set Westminster apart. It reflects a spirit of confidence.
Interestingly, the Leander Club later adopted pink. This renowned club was founded by Westminster alumni. However, Leander calls the color cerise.
The Westminster School Boat Club has a strong list of achievements. Domestically, the club won the Fawley Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta in 2009. The club was also champion in the eight at the National Schools’ Regatta and the Schools’ Head of the River Race in 2015 and 2016.
Westminster has also achieved success on the international stage. The club sends rowers to the Junior World Championships. It qualifies crews for the J16 GB-France Match.
Did you know that the Westminster boathouse serves as headquarters for Oxford University during the Boat Race? Many Westminster rowers return to the boathouse. However, they often wear different colors.
Today the Westminster School Boat Club continues to thrive. It fosters a love for rowing. It instills values of teamwork and dedication. The garish shade of pink continues to dominate the River Thames. This symbolizes Westminster’s enduring legacy in the world of rowing.