Hants & Dorset
Amateur Rowing Association

The Hants & Dorset Amateur Rowing Association encompasses all affiliated Clubs and Regatta’s for Coastal Rowing within Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

Founded in 1903, the Hants & Dorset ARA is voluntarily run by the Executive Committee, elected by delegates from all affiliated clubs. Overseeing all aspects of Coastal Rowing Racing including H&D Race Officials, Water Safety, Rules & Competition and Membership Registration, the H&D works with its clubs to provide a safe and fair programme of racing throughout the year.

The H&D ARA season is predominantly held within the summer months between May and August where regattas hosting a variety of classes for all ages and abilities are held and H&D Championship points are accumulated throughout the season. The H&D ARA field its two fastest crews in each championship status to compete against crews from WERA (Devon & Cornwall) and CARA (Kent & Sussex) at the South Coast Rowing Championships.

South Coast Rowing Championships

Green-and-white rowing crest featuring crossed oars, laurel branches, and the words “Hands & Dorset Amateur Rowing Association.”

In addition to H&D ARA events, H&D Clubs also compete in numerous other events and disciplines such as Junior Inter Regional Championship, Beach Sprints, Indoor Rowing Championships, Henley Royal Regatta and numerous other events around the country.

Four-person rowing crew racing on sunlit water near lane marker 7

Two rowers paddling a racing shell through splashing ocean water

Women's rowing team racing in a coastal rowing boat on choppy water

Four rowers in white and red uniforms rowing a boat on bright blue water

Women rowing a racing shell across open water with mountains and a motorboat in the background

Two rowers in a racing shell rowing across sunlit water with rocky coastal cliffs in the background

Female rower in sunglasses and blue uniform rowing a boat marked number 5 on choppy water

Two women in a rowing shell paddling through choppy blue water

Rowers competing in narrow boats on blue ocean water during a coastal rowing race

Rowers competing in multiple racing shells on open water

Women's rowing team racing past sailboats on a marina river

Rowing team in blue uniforms paddling a narrow boat on green water

Rowers in yellow and black uniforms paddling a racing shell on sunlit blue water

Woman rowing a blue-and-white racing shell on a lake

Crew paddling a dragon boat through splashing water during a race

Four rowers in a racing shell rowing across green water, viewed from above

Rowing team racing in a white shell boat on choppy green water

Women's rowing crew racing in a white boat on a lake, with splashing oars and lane marker 4.

Women’s rowing team racing in boats on the water

Rowers in athletic uniforms competing in wooden racing shells on choppy water

Women's rowing crew racing an eight-person boat through choppy water, with a lighthouse and lane marker in the background

Rowers powering a crew boat through ocean waves during a rowing race, with sailboats in the background

Women in a dragon boat rowing race paddling on a lake

Athletes rowing in a racing shell on sunny blue water, with a rower in red sportswear and reflective sunglasses in the foreground

Lifeboat rowing crew launching a white boat from a pebble beach into the sea

Rowers in a racing shell paddling through choppy ocean water

Rowers in racing shells practice on sunlit blue water.

Clubs

There are thirteen rowing clubs across the Hants & Dorset region which includes three which are based on the Isle of Wight. Many are some of the oldest rowing clubs in the UK, established in the 1800’s and others have formed over the last century from being based in the coastal heartland of the south coast with strong links to the maritime industry.

All clubs are affiliated to the governing body, British Rowing and follow their Water Safety, Safeguarding and Club Welfare governance.

To find out more about the clubs, what they offer and their contact details, please use their website link on each individual club page.