Gibraltar Amateur Rowing Association

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

The Mediterranean Rowing Club was founded in 1899 and its original clubhouse was situated on the middle of the water without direct access to dry land at the Western Side of the Rock. In those days the actual club was small and few social activities took place on the clubhouse.

 


In those days Entertainment was more of an outdoor affair since Television nor Wireless Radio Programmes weren't available to the Citizens of the Rock. Outdoor Sports was extremely popular. Gibraltarians made use of outdoor competitive sports for socialising. Also, fraternal contact was and has been maintained with our eternal arch rivals, the Calpe Rowing Club, who at the time was well established on the Rock





During the early days, our club participated in Invitational Regattas held on the hinterland. Here we see a crew with full club attire ready to leave to Malaga for an International Rowing event.






Eventually the Clubhouse was towed ashore to the Glacis area and construction work started immediately. Ocaña, a prominent Contractor, was hired to place the old Clubhouse safetly in place and hence the construction of a proper clubhouse for members to enjoy.





Since the Original Boathouse / Clubhouse was moved into the Glacis area, development and construction in order to enlarge the clubhouse never ceased. Here we can see old Boathouse with surrounding walls and main entrance to the Club. Progressive construction works to the club slowed down during the Second World War as most of the man power was evacuated from Gibraltar and the remaining skilled craftsmen were employed by the Ministry of Defence to repair damaged Ships, Aircarft and other military hardware.

 

 

One of the the first Racers to be purchased from abroad. The Racer " WAVE " ( circa 1910 ) can be seen outside the original Boathouse after being used by one of the crews at the time. One can highlight that in those days the Rail Seat " Carillo " like in nowadays didn't exist and so the crew were seated nearly side by side on a fixed seat.

 

 

 

 





A new Outrigger was purchased in 1911. Here we can see Mr Norton ( fixing Oar to the Rig ) and his crew ready to test " GALE " on its MAIDEN outing

 


Boathouse Months after being repositioned on area adjacent to Glacis Road ( Circa 1934 )

A typical social function on the Clubhouse during 1905. Note the rickety makeshift Bar outside on the terrace.

Club Members prepared to leave to Malaga for the International Regattas held on 19th August 1930

Ocaña's Men ( Contractor ) setting up Iron Griders and Bricks after bringing the Clubhouse ashore to the Glacis Area ( Circa 1910 )

Old Clubhouse in 1934 with evident signs of construction progress around its Boathouse

The newly acquired Racer " Wave " at the new MRC site

 

Norton's Crew about to make their MAIDEN Trip in the new Outrigger " GALE ". This Outrigger was launched from the Western Beach, North Front on the 3rd of May 1911 as Area Adjacent to the Clubhouse was full of debris, a Huge hazard that could damage the Racers.
 

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