History

19th century

Annual rowing regattas took place on the River Blyth as early as the mid 1860’s. In 1893 North Blyth Rowing Club was formed. Based at the Seven Stars pub in North Blyth the club lasted for approximately six years. More details are available on the Northern Rowing History wiki website.

In 1899 Blyth Rowing Club was formed as a professional rowing club. The club was based near the Fleece Inn, Blyth.

20th century

Blyth Rowing Club changed its status to amateur during the 1950/60s until the club folded in the 1980’s.

In addition to Blyth Rowing Club, Cambois Rowing Club used to row on the River Blyth. Cambois was founded on the River Blyth in 1911. The club moved to the lower reaches of the River Wansbeck in 1977.

21st century

Blyth Community Rowing Club formed in 2014 as part of a town wide initiative to bring rowing back to Blyth after an abscence of 50 plus years. Members of the community built their first St Ayles skiff in a vacant shop unit in the Keel Row Shopping Centre. As part of the Blyth Maritime Festival 'Crofton' was paraded down the town’s high street alongside a full marching band and floats before being launched for her maiden voyage.

After the success of 'Crofton' BCRC built another skiff in conjunction with Blyth Academy and 'Bebside' was launched in the summer of 2016. All this was made possible with funding from Olympic Legacy money, the support of Blyth Town Council, Blyth Town Team, Royal Northumberland Yacht club, British Rowing, the Port of Blyth and the local community of Blyth.