History of the club
The Royal Connaught Boat Club was established in the year
1868 under the name “Poona Boat Club” on the banks of rivers
Mula-Mutha. Utilizing the lake waters of a Bund constructed in
1850 for just upstream of the Fitzgerald bridge. Two existing
Boat Clubs named Kirkee Boat Club & R.A. Boat Club
assimilated in the years 1883 & 1888 respectively. The Club
was renamed as the “Poona Royal Connaught Boat Club” in
the year 1889 to honour his Royal Highness the Duke of
Connaught, the Commander-In-Chief of the Bombay Army.
He took keen interest in the activities of the Club. Even after he
left India, he visited the Club during his subsequent visit to the
subcontinent on 25th February 1921. Such was the bond
between the Club and its Patrons. For the second time, the
Club name was changed to “Royal Connaught Boat Club” in
1928.
The word “Poona” was deleted permanently as by then the
Club had become quite popular in the city. The present site of
the Club was initially on lease and subsequently in 1876, it was
bought by the Club for Rs. 1904/-. Then commenced the work
of construction of various facilities such as the Boat Shed and
Dressing Room. The Club became operational in the year
1883 after spending Rs. 4,000/-
