Drawn to the river’s edge? The story of the Cambridgeshire Rowing Association is one of tradition. It’s a tale of sporting passion and community spirit dating back to 1868.
The Cambridgeshire Rowing Association is the administrative body for non-college rowing in Cambridge. It looks after the interests of local rowing. It provides facilities and regular meetings to discuss issues. The CRA also organises races such as the CRA Bumps.
Early records reveal that the Cambridge Boat Racing Club existed in 1844. A large part of this club went on to form the Cambridge Town Rowing Club in 1863. John Harvey formed the Town club. It was in the working men’s club on Market Hill. This club became City of Cambridge Rowing Club in 1932.
The Cambridgeshire Rowing Association was formed in 1868. This helped shape the town bumps. City was Head of the River in the Town Bumps in 1875. However, the club suffered something of a decline. City rowed themselves up to 3rd in 1914. The 1st boat won their blades in 1949. In 1951, they were Head of the River. This was the first time since the headship was lost in the 1870s.
They held the headship for the next six years. By 1958, City had a chance to equal Rob Roy’s record. Rob Roy had eight consecutive headships from 1904 to 1911. Robs and City posted identical times in the Timed Race. This happened in the build up to the Bumps. Robs caught 99’s on the first night. But Robs could not bump City. The record was equaled. City set a new record. They achieved ten consecutive years as head boat. 99’s eventually toppled them in 1962.
The Cambridgeshire Rowing Association clearly defined its amateur status in 1898. They decided that professional watermen should be excluded. This included anyone engaged in the use of boats for a money wage.
The cap for the head of the river crew was designed. It was Pembroke blue. It was piped in Leander colour. It had crossed oars and the date of the headship in the same colour. Any man who rowed in a head of the river crew could wear the cap. They had to be a member of a club affiliated with the Cambridgeshire Rowing Association.
The 99 Rowing Club formed in 1899. It was formed from a breakaway group. These smokers were from another town club. The club had disallowed them from smoking while in training. By 1900, the three oldest surviving CRA clubs had been established. These were Rob Roy, 99, and Town now City.
The Cambridgeshire Rowing Association also holds events. These events are the CRA Winter League. There is also the Christmas Head. Other events include Winter and Spring Head to Head. The City Sprints are also a popular event.
The river Cam has been an irresistible appeal to sportsmen for many years. The Cambridgeshire Rowing Association stands as a testament to this enduring legacy. The Cambridgeshire Rowing Association continues to foster a thriving rowing community.