The West of Scotland Amateur Boat Club came into existence in 1866 as a consequence of the construction of the esplanade which was completed in 1865. The original building was a brick built boat house, it wasn’t used as a clubhouse, all of the club’s meetings took place in the white hart hotel which was described as the cradle of the club. The clubhouse you see today was built over the boat house in 1878.
In 1877 Queen Victoria, on holiday in the highlands needed a boat for a sail on Loch Maree The club was approached and was delighted to lend one of our gigs for her use. The club also ran regattas when the navy visited the Clyde and all of this resulted in us becoming the RWSABC in 1885. Over 160 years the club has seen many changes, survived being commandeered in both world wars and successfully navigated the changes in society which occurred during the timescale. We look forward to the future.
Whether you are interested in our historic snooker room or our high-tech kayaks, there is a place for you here.
Our home on the Esplanade is split into two levels, designed for both action and relaxation:
The Upper Level: Social & Scenic
The Lower Level:
