Registered Charity No. 1142146
The 1863 Club was originally born from the in-house boat club at London Oratory School and for the last decade has welcomed members from a wide, multi-diverse array of backgrounds and schools.
The club was first run by volunteer staff encouraging pupils to learn but they had no boats or other equipment. In 2009 as a school club a Head of Rowing was appointed and there were 32 pupils rowing. The club moved in 2011 to Chiswick and is now based at the University of London Boathouse.
Over the last two decades there was the first full intake of J14s and the purchase of equipment including the club’s first new VIII. As training became more regular and the boys more committed, the size of the fleet grew and the results started to come, with Octo’s getting to two finals at National Schools Regatta in 2012 and the B Octo winning gold.
From this crew the club has gone from strength to strength. This first winning crew raced up through the school, qualifying for Henley Royal Regatta as J18s and has since seen the club attend numerous times.
Being inclusive the club takes in pupils from a wide and diverse range of backgrounds and continues to run water sessions from Chiswick.
Coaching
Supported by a parents committee and team of trustees, our coaching team is led by a team of experienced professional staff who have competed themselves at national and international level.
Fleet & Equipment
The club is proud, through the work of the 1863 Supporters Group to boast a large, modern fleet comparable to any other leading club.