Southampton Coalporters ARC - Southampton | UK Rowing Clubs | Row HQ

Southampton Coalporters ARC is based beside Northam Bridge in Southampton and has occupied that site since 1960. The club says it was founded in 1875, making it Southampton's oldest established rowing club.

Its name comes from rowers who transported coal to visiting ships on the River Itchen. Those workers formed a club so they could use their skills in competition, and the club says it has competed every year since its foundation.

In 1884 Coalporters assembled 18 rowers to race a previously unbeaten 14-person crew from the visiting American Navy over five miles. Coalporters used a disused service cutter, won the first race and then won a higher-stakes rematch.

The club's current programme includes an adult novice squad, a competitive section divided into men's and women's squads, a junior squad for ages 12 to 18, Masters groups for members over 40 and Southampton Solent University Rowing Club. Its novice training covers the rowing stroke, boat movement, strength and fitness, with competition as the goal.

Members have access to boats, a gymnasium, boathouse and clubhouse facilities. In 2022 the club opened new boat storage beneath Northam Bridge and completed work to roofs, windows, doors, the clubhouse floor and toilets.

Coalporters says its volunteer coaches have helped crews win competitions across the south coast and farther afield. Competitive squads target Hants and Dorset championships, the South Coast Championships, Henley Royal Regatta and British Rowing head races and regattas, while the club also holds regular social events for members and their families.