Footscray City Rowing Club - Footscray | Australian Rowing Clubs | Row HQ

Footscray City Rowing Club is based at 40 Maribyrnong Boulevard in Footscray. The club's history places its rowing on the former Saltwater River, now called the Maribyrnong River.

Footscray Rowing Club was formed at a public meeting at the Mechanics' Institute in September 1873. It was admitted to the Victorian Rowing Association before contesting the Clarke Challenge Cup.

Footscray won the two-mile Clarke Challenge Cup in 1880, 1881 and 1882, securing the trophy permanently with the third victory. The 1882 race drew an estimated crowd of about 20,000.

The trophy remains in the possession of Footscray City Rowing Club and is displayed on special occasions including its annual presentation night. The source describes it as the club's most important historical item.

The current club schedule includes main Sunday training and Tuesday and Thursday evening sessions. It also runs Learn to Row courses with limited places.

Recent club updates record crews at Head of the Yarra, Melbourne Head and Head of the Mitchell. The club also holds an annual season opener and President's Cup and hosted the 2026 Footscray Saltwater Regatta.