Thirty rowers from Madras for regatta against Colombo

The Colombo Rowing Club (CRC), established in 1864 on the banks of the Beira Lake and Sri Lanka's oldest club, celebrated its 147th anniversary in June 2011.

With a history of more than 144 years (3 years junior to the CRC) the Madras Boat Club (MBC) one of the oldest private members clubs in India, was founded in the placid backwaters of Ennore in 1867.

The proximity of the two countries and its colonial links obviously meant that the two clubs maintained a close association over the years.

A lesser known fact and a great sense of pride for both clubs is that the Madras-Colombo Regatta is the second oldest boat race and the oldest inter-club boat race in the world. The only other rowing event which boasts a longer history is the Oxford-Cambridge boat race held annually on the River Thames in London since 1854.

A total of 30 rowers are expected from Madras Boat Club to participate in the men's and women's event. The rowing club team consists of a total of 25 oarsmen and orswomen.

Both teams will be practising from July 20 to 22, 2011 in the morning (6am-9am) and evening (2.30pm-6pm).

The Madras-Colombo Regatta will be held on July 23, 2011 at the Colombo Rowing Club, starting from 1pm onwards.