Cercle des Régates de Bruxelles

“Tirer dur & Barrer droit!” This motto, meaning “Pull hard & Steer straight,” perfectly embodies the spirit of the Cercle des Régates de Bruxelles. Here, on the banks of the canal, stands a testament to the enduring legacy of Belgian rowing. The Cercle des Régates de Bruxelles, founded in 1878 by Aimé Duhot, began its life near the Allée Verte along the Brussels-Charleroi Canal. The Cercle des Régates de Bruxelles quickly made a name for itself. It organized the first “8+” regattas in Belgium, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s rowing history. The club’s journey wasn’t always smooth sailing. The Cercle des Régates de Bruxelles moved a few times, first to the CERIA nautical facilities in Anderlecht, before finally settling into its own dedicated premises. These moves, while disruptive, never dampened the club’s spirit or its commitment to rowing excellence. The Cercle des Régates de Bruxelles has called several addresses home over the years: Quai de Willebroeck 23 and 27, and Quai de Veeweyde 120 and 65. The club’s rich history is intertwined with both athletic achievement and philanthropy. A fascinating anecdote connects the Cercle des Régates de Bruxelles to the “Conservatoire Africain,” now known as the “Œuvre Royale des Berceaux Princesse Paola – Conservatoire africain.” Jean Bosquet, inspired by the Cercle des Régates de Bruxelles, encouraged its members to found this philanthropic endeavor in 1876. The initiative aimed to support underprivileged children in Belgium. The story goes that after a harsh winter, members of the Cercle des Régates de Bruxelles decided to use Carnival as an opportunity to raise funds for a struggling Brussels crèche. Wanting to remain anonymous, they donned disguises reflecting the then-popular theme of Africa: blackened faces, brightly colored baggy pants, black tailcoats, white top hats, chains, and flashy trinkets. This lighthearted fundraising effort marked the birth of “Les Noirauds de Bruxelles.” The Cercle des Régates de Bruxelles boasts an impressive record of national and international titles, with members even representing Belgium at the Olympic Games. Notably, they are the sole French-speaking club to win a medal at the World Senior Championship in Tampere, Finland, in 1995. From its humble beginnings on the canal bank to its present-day accomplishments, the Cercle des Régates de Bruxelles embodies the spirit of “Tirer dur & Barrer droit!”