When Glasgow was a group of villages separated by a broad tidal river, the way to get from place to place was to wade across at a ford — or to row. As the city grew, rowing transformed from necessity into leisure, and inevitably from leisure into racing. Images of the Clyde from the early 19th century show boats with rowers in groups of four, with a steersman, against the backdrop of the Gorbals chimneys and washerwomen on Glasgow Green.

By 1865 rowing clubs had been established on the Clyde both up and down river of Glasgow. Amongst them, Clyde Amateur Rowing Club formalised its existence with the recognition of its Constitution. It is likely the club existed informally before this date. Many clubs from that era have not survived; Clyde ARC is one that has, through constant evolution and adaptation.

The earliest minutes in the club's possession date from the early 20th century, when boat races were a major spectacle — the then Glasgow Herald records crowds of over 50,000 lining the bank, with bookmakers taking bets on outcomes.

The present Clyde Boathouse — one half of the largest timber-framed building in Scotland, and a listed building — was built in 1904–5. In 1914 the club dominated the Scottish Championships, winning 6 of the 7 championship races. Months later, war broke out and virtually the entire membership enlisted. Only the 1914 Sculling Champion returned to Glasgow.

Rebuilding post-WWI was challenging, but the club had sufficient resources to help Glasgow University establish their own club in 1920. Recovery was faster than expected, and the club quickly returned to active racing. This was the era of the Penny family — five brothers (see Club Stories below) who became central to the club's character and racing success.

The 1930s and the Great Depression brought fresh hardship. With annual income of approximately £60 against rent of £40, the club took out a tobacco licence so that members' purchases would supplement club funds. Various proposals were debated — including relocating to Rutherglen — before a hard-won rent reduction from Glasgow Corporation allowed the club to survive. Then war closed it again.

In 1940 the Committee met to formally close the club until the end of hostilities, preserving precious funds and honouring members serving in the Armed Forces. The military requisitioned the premises, and the boathouse suffered. Post-war minutes record the need for an action plan — and relief that far fewer members (2) had paid the ultimate price in WWII than in WWI.

Glasgow Schools Rowing Club, with an alleged 600 members at its peak, entered the building and for a time relegated Clyde ARC to sub-tenants. From that large pool of young rowers, however, many went on to join Clyde ARC as adults. The club contributed to the Scotland Commonwealth Games squad in 1958.

In 1968–69 Glasgow Schools Rowing Club moved out, giving Clyde sole tenancy of the boathouse — though not for long. The club helped gestate Strathclyde University boat club, sharing the premises for over 30 years. Many current members came through that relationship.

Early in the 1970s a chance meeting brought a cohort of Aberdeen University students to the club. Later in the decade the club opened its doors to female members. Clyde became known for the popular Clyde Rowing Weekend, which grew to become the second-biggest rowing regatta in the UK and was voted regatta of the year. The completion of Strathclyde Park's 6-lane 2000 m course eventually redirected those calendar dates, but the club responded by developing its competitive squads rather than relying on income from hosting.

The club concentrated on elite squad development — men's, women's, lightweight and junior. In 1983 Clyde was the first club in Scotland to purchase a Janousek (the G'day Foster), pioneering the use of plastic hulls and Dreissigacker oars. First-class coaching followed, and athletes went on to represent Scotland and Great Britain at the Home International, Coupe de La Jeunesse, World Junior Championships and the Nations Cup (U23).

The athletes — especially the women — were taught to "know their place": on the podium. The presence of Clyde members at international events became expected. Stalwarts such as Gordon Day, Mike Haggerty, Raymond Dixon, Dave George and Ralph Gillies supported the competitive athletes and helped create a "can do" culture within Scottish rowing.

Today the club is as inclusive as it has ever been, welcoming experienced rowers and complete beginners alike, alongside those looking to get fit or take part in club social events. We are keen to celebrate our history but equally recognise that diversity and change are part of life.

Content coming soon — if you have memories or records from this period, please contact the committee.

Content coming soon — if you have memories or records from this period, please contact the committee.