Wonder why Molesey Boat Club is nestled here on the River Thames? Its story is one of local gentlemen, Henley victories, and Olympic glory.
Molesey Boat Club’s story began in April 1866. A group of local gentlemen founded it. They built a basic wooden clubhouse on Ash Island. Boats were stored in rented space on the mainland.
The club quickly made its mark. In 1875, Molesey’s VIII came second to Leander in the Grand Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta. First Trinity was third. Imagine three boats racing abreast.
In 1891, the club achieved its first Henley success. The Thames Challenge Cup VIII secured a win. Half of this VIII later won the Wyfold Challenge Cup for fours in 1892 and 1893.
In 1901, Molesey Boat Club built a new boathouse on the site it occupies today. It was named the Milner Memorial Boathouse. James Milner had spearheaded the project. The club purchased the freehold in 1953. The boathouse has been expanded over the years.
1959 saw Molesey’s coxless IV win the Wyfold Challenge Cup at Henley. Each of the five heats was won easily. That means by more than four lengths.
1960 was a landmark year. Barns Cottage Boat Club joined Molesey to train together. Chris Davidge and John Russell joined them. Rowing as Molesey BC, this combination won the Grand Challenge Cup at Henley. They also won the Steward’s, racing as Barn Cottage. At the time Henley rules prevented clubs from entering A and B crews in the same event.
John Russell won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 in the coxless fours. This was the first Olympic medal won by a club member.
Richard Stanhope was in the silver medal winning eight at the Montreal Olympics in 1980. In 1984 and 1985, Ewan Pearson and CD Riches won the Silver Goblets at Henley. Molesey members have consistently achieved Henley and international honours since.
Molesey Boat Club has become a Centre of Excellence for British Rowing. It trains young rowers on the verge of international selection.
Jonnie and Greg Searle won gold at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. They powered to victory in the coxed pair.
Andy Triggs-Hodge joined the club in the early 2000s. He became one of Britain’s greatest rowers. He won golds at Beijing, London, and Rio. Tom James also won golds with Andy at Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012. George Nash won bronze at London and gold in Rio. James Foad won a bronze in London.
Mohammed Sbihi is another prominent club member. He won a gold medal at the Rio Olympics. He also secured bronzes at London and Tokyo.
In 2021, Ollie Stanhope won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. He is Richard Stanhope’s son.
Today Molesey Boat Club has approximately 700 members. It is a diverse and influential club. It has senior and junior athletes. There is a robust masters division and recreational options.
The club continues to strive for success at all levels. It faces an increasingly competitive environment. Remember the names of its champions as you watch rowers glide along the Thames. They are the legacy of Molesey Boat Club.