ABOUT MADRAS BOAT CLUB

SINCE 1867

The Madras Boat Club, founded by the British, is the 2^nd oldest rowing club in India.

The mid-19th century saw quite a few of the Britishers in Chennai taking to the sport in full vigour and their congregation was christened the Madras Boat Club (MBC / Club).

The first formal boating activities of MBC took place on Ennore Creek, in the northern part of the city of Chennai (formerly Madras). In the last quarter of the century, the club and rowing moved to the present location, nestled in the Adyar River, Chennai. From then, MBC has been fostering competitive rowing both within the country and internationally. Today MBC is not just a rowing club, but a host to a vibrant calendar of events throughout the year, for both members and their guests.

The club now boasts of an excellent roof top Swimming pool, 7 Guest Rooms, Gym, Billiards room and a Pickle ball court. From cherished annual traditions to informal gatherings, the club creates an environment that fosters lasting friendships and a profound sense of belonging among its members.

As MBC steps into its 158th year, we are proud to maintain a successful record of excellence along with a vibrant and friendly social atmosphere.

ROWING & HISTORY

The year 1898 saw the first races between Madras Boat Club and Colombo Rowing Club, now known as the Madras-Colombo regatta.

The legacy being carried even to this day, this event remains the oldest regatta between two countries and is second in vintage only to the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race. This historic regatta is an annual fixture between the Madras Boat Club (MBC) and the Colombo Rowing Club (CRC)—two institutions bound by more than a century of sporting camaraderie and tradition. The event is hosted alternately by the two clubs. More than a sporting contest, the Madras-Colombo Regatta is a cherished tradition that celebrates endurance, excellence, and cross-border friendship.

The year 1900 saw the launch of the Merchants and Bankers Regatta with participation from British mercantile firms like Binnys, Parrys, Gordon Woodroffe etc.

In the year 1933, the Amateur Rowing Association of the East (ARAE) was formed. Madras Boat Club along with The Bombay Gymkhana Club, The Calcutta Rowing Club, The Karachi Boat Club, The Rangoon Boat Club and the Royal Connaught Boat Club became the founding members. The ARAE is being hosted by different member clubs to this day.