RG Benrath & Cygnet RC 60th Anniversary
Only here for the beer! How it all started.
As the largest country in Europe, Germany has a surfeit of rivers and lakes and a long tradition of the sport of rowing, not to mention après rowing of an alcoholic nature. By the 1960s, both Germanies – the Federal Republic and the Democratic Republic – had started to make a strong showing on the international scene following the dislocations of the Second World War.
In 1965, three Cygnet members, Messrs Arnold-Gilliat, Burden and McVeigh went to watch the European Rowing Championships in Duisberg, West Germany. While there, they contacted the German Rowing Association for the name of a suitable club where they might try their hands at rowing on the Rhine. In response, they were given an introduction to Ruder-Gesellschaft Benrath, based in a suburb of Düsseldorf, where they were warmly received by Fred Blasberg, Ferdi Picker and Dietmar Hohn.
From this rather impromptu beginning, close and enduring links have evolved between Cygnet and RG Benrath. Indeed, the 60th anniversary of this relationship coincides with Cygnet’s 135th birthday.
RG Benrath subsequently became the first German crew to compete in the Head of the River Race since the Second World War, in 1970, starting a veritable flood of overseas entries. Similarly, Cygnet marked its first overseas entry in 1980 by competing in the Düsseldorfer Marathonrudern, – aka. Rhine Marathon – rowed over a course of 43 kilometres from Leverkuesen to Düsseldorf. Initially treated as a survival course, by 2005 Cygnet crews had honed their coastal rowing skills sufficiently to win the medal for the fastest overseas crew. Cygnet members have also made more relaxed rowing tours of the Mosel, and Benrath tours of the Thames.
Generations pass, but the Head of the River and the Rhine Marathon remain firm fixtures in both clubs’ annual fixtures lists. Socially, Cygnet and Benrath jointly marked their respective centenaries in 1990 and 2008 with much fanfare.
A reminder of the relationship between the two clubs is the ship’s bell that hangs in the bar at the Civil Service Boathouse. This bell, presented by Benrath in 1981, is ceremoniously rung by anyone wishing to buy drinks for all those present in the bar, nay, hearing distance.
Rhine Sagas – Tales from marathons past
As well as the inevitable kit (see above), plans are well underway to celebrate this enduring relationship between Benrath and Cygnet (and BBRLC) with four events in 2025.
60th Anniversary dates for your diary
HoRR/Vets Head • 22nd–23rd March
Benrath were over as always to compete in the Vets Head with a good Cygnet turnout to welcome them during the Eights Heads weekend. A very enjoyable start to our 60th year celebrations.
Henley Friday • 4th July • Old Blades
Pat Sly has very kindly agreed to host a more substantial gathering than usual on her front lawn this year. A good-sized group are coming over from Benrath and a large contingent of Cygnets and Barnes Bridge Ladies new and old have also expressed their interest. With about 100 people planning to attend, it should be a memorable occasion.
It will be much the same form as usual for Henley Friday except this year we will provide food, shelter and some drinks – but feel free to bring your preferred tipple. Blazers and dresses as always please, this is a civilised occasion (at least to begin with).
Transport to and from Henley (from Barnes) is being organised for our guests and there should be space available for any club members on a first come, first served basis. There will be a cost for this but it will be cheaper than a cab and more comfortable than the train!
Register your interest here
Any questions should be directed to the Assistant Secretary
Saturday 5th July • Barnes
On Saturday afternoon, there will be a gathering at the club where we intend to take our guests for a paddle on the Tideway, with perhaps a bit of side-by-side action?
This will be followed by a formal sit down dinner at Ye White Hart from 18.30. The three course meal will be £50 per person including a welcome drink. There will be a couple of speeches/presentations! Dress code is smart casual/club blazers.
Register your interest here
Any questions should be directed to the Assistant Secretary
Rhine Marathon • 4–5th October
We already have sufficient interest to enter 4 into the 2025 marathon and can't accept any more interest from people that want to race. However, more supporters are very much welcome to come along. Please Register your interest here
The plan is to muster at Benrath Boothaus by 17.00 on Friday 3rd, where we are invited to (a slightly more formal) dinner and drinks at the club. After the race on Saturday we will be venturing into Düsseldorf for an evening touring the numerous breweries that the Altstadt has to offer
Sunday 5th is the Erntedankfest (Thanksgiving) parade in Urdenbach and for anyone interested in staying a little longer, they are very welcome to join the parade, which starts at about lunchtime.
Any questions should be directed to the Assistant Secretary
