British Rowing

British Rowing, formerly the Amateur Rowing Association (ARA), is the governing body in England for the sport of rowing. It is also responsible for the development and organisation of international rowing teams representing Great Britain. Scottish Rowing (formerly SARA) and the Welsh Amateur Rowing Association (WARA) oversee governance in their respective countries, organise their own teams for the Home International Regatta and input to the GB team organisation.

British Rowing is a member of the British Olympic Association and the International Federation of Rowing Associations, also known as FISA.

History

The ARA (as the predecessor of British Rowing) had it roots in the desire to form crews drawn from the leading English clubs 'for the purpose of defeating the foreign or colonial invader' although in fact this aim was not fulfilled until much later.

A series of meetings were held in Putney from 1877 culminating in the formation of the Metropolitan Rowing Association in 1879 by Cambridge University Boat Club, Dublin University Boat Club, Kingston Rowing Club, Leander Club, London Rowing Club, Oxford University Boat Club, Royal Chester Rowing Club, Thames Rowing Club and Twickenham Rowing Club. Molesey Boat Club joined soon afterward.