York City Rowing Club


York City Rowing Club is a rowing club situated on the bank of the River Ouse in York, England. It has over 200 members, of all ages. The boathouse is on the south bank of the river next to Lendal Bridge.

History

The present boathouse is a postwar building whose boat storage has become seriously overcrowded owing to the size of the club and the level of activity. A refurbishment plan is under way, and it is hoped to update not only the boat racks, but also the changing facilities, gym and bar area.

Location

The clubhouse is located next to Lendal bridge along West Esplanade. It is situated by the River Ouse, with over of rowable water; upstream from the boathouse the river is winding,in places quite narrow, and is rowable as far as Linton Lock. This stretch is almost free from recreational and commercial traffic, however, there is a public footpath and cycle path between the river and boathouse. Wildlife encountered includes herons, kingfishers, otters and at least one seal. Downstream the river is wider with less severe bends, but is less interesting and, especially in summer, is sometimes congested with excursion craft, cabin cruisers and hired motor-boats.

Events

The club runs or assists with five events throughout the year, including 2 heads and 3 regattas.

Heads

This is raced from a start near the A1237 road bridge to a finish near the club. Landmarks on the course are: Maddies' Landing, Clifton Bends and Bridge, St. Peter's School boathouse on stroke-side about 800 m from the finish and finally the Scarborough Bridge carrying a railway across the river.
Started in 2015 to provide early season head racing in small boats. The course is 4,500m downstream from Rawcliffe Landing near the bypass bridge to just above Scarborough Railway Bridge in the city centre. Landmarks include Maddies' Landing and Clifton Bends and Bridge.
A shorter course, upstream from a point at Fulford upstream of the A64 road bridge to a finish at the King's Staithe. The course passes York University boat-house on bow-side, under the Millennium foot-bridge then passes the confluence of the R. Fosse, also on bow-side, shortly before the finish.

Regattas

Beginning at or close to St Peter's steps, and finishing close to York City Rowing Club's landing stage - in all, the course is roughly.
Beginning at Leeds University Steps, and finishing close to York City Rowing Club's landing stage - in all, the course is roughly. This regatta was discontinued in 2012 due to the lack of interest.

In the media

York City Rowing Club is featured often in the York Press. Recently, they have written two articles about York City Rowing Club, one about a grant received, and another about an elderly rower.