The Queen's University of Belfast Boat Club was established in 1931 due to the work of its founding members: J.W. Rigby, D.B. McNeill, F. Maunsell and J.F. Doggart. As the club gained in popularity its membership grew rapidly and by the 1950s there were over 100 rowers at the start of each season. This decade saw QUBBC dominate in Irish rowing, winning the Senior National Championships in 1952, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1959 and 1962.
Initially Belfast Commercial Boat Club’s facilities were used and in 1951 a temporary wooden structure was built on the current site. This was replaced by a permanent boat house in 1976 with room to accommodate the Men’s club, Ladies club and the Lady Victoria club (Consisting of previous members).
During the 1970s and 1980s the club didn’t achieve the same sustained success in the Irish championships but they did prove themselves on many occasions such as reaching the final of the prestigious Ladies’ Challenge plate at Henley.
Recent years have seen some strong eights coming out of QUBBC such as the 1996 and 2005 crews who won the Intermediate Irish Championships. They have also achieved success overseas in races such as the Amsterdam international regatta and have put in strong performances in Henley.
A more comprehensive history of the club can be attained through clicking the following links as they appear:
Many thanks to Ivan Nelson and the various authors mentioned for this excellent insight into the history of rowing at Queen's University Belfast Boat Club.
