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

Naturally plans are afoot to celebrate this enduring relationship between Benrath and Cygnet (and some BBRLC along the way) which will happen over three events in 2025. Exact timing and some other details to be confirmed but we need to know numbers so please do register your interest in any or all of the events listed below. We need to know about the July events by the end of February please.
Any questions should be directed to the Assistant Secretary
60th Anniversary dates for your diary
HoRR/Vets Head • 22nd–23rd March
Benrath will be over as always to compete in the Vets Head and we hope to bolster the social side of this weekend a little by encouraging as many Cygnets as possible to make the effort to join us during the weekend.
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 again we hope for a similarly enthusiastic response from Cygnets and Barnes Bridge Ladies new and old, especially if you've ever competed in the Rhine Marathon.
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 (by the end of February)
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 drinks and a buffet dinner at Ye White hart in the evening.
Register your interest here (by the end of February)
Rhine Marathon • 4–5th October
We aim to get 3 crews entered into the 2025 marathon as well as extending the weekend (for those that can make it) to include some additional celebrations. Planning is still ongoing but Friday 3rd October is a national holiday in Germany and Sunday 5th is the Erntedank (Thanksgiving) parade. The idea is to incorporate either or both of these alongside the marathon itself.
Further details will be circulated by email and posted on the website as soon as they have been finalised so please keep an eye out.
Register your interest here (as a competitor or a supporter)
Anniversary kit
Of course we’ll also be producing some 60th Anniversary ‘kit’ to mark the occasion, based around this logo. Watch this space.
