Rowing on the Cape Fear River

The beauty and tranquility of the Cape Fear River in Wilmington, NC have always attracted rowers and inspired them to compete. Newspaper accounts as far back as 1875, describe races on the river with many prominent citizens competing - men with names such as Latimer, Jones, Russell, Wright, Taylor and McRae.

The present Cape Fear River Rowing Club was formed in 1989 by a group of rowers who were looking for suitable waterfront property and a boathouse. The UNCW Crew Club was also looking to better quarters and the two clubs elected to join forces in their efforts to find to find a permanent location on the river. The first boathouse and the waterfront property were provided for the clubs use by Tomas Wright III. The use of these facilities enables the two clubs to increase their membership and grow.

In 1999, the property at the foot of Nun Street was sold to make way for the Governor's Landing development and the clubs had to move.

Upon learning of the clubs predicament, Bill Kaylor, the owner of the Pointe Harbor Marina offered them waterfront access and eventually, he was able to lend them a building to use as a boathouse. Young rowers from Cape Fear academy also joined the boathouse there are several great rowing seasons. With these improved facilities, the clubs continued to grow and prosper to the point that they could organize and host a rowing regatta and the first Head of the Cape Fear Regatta was held in October of 2004. The visiting rowers, their families, and the US Rowing officials who attended were astounded by the magnificent waterfront and rowing venue.

Regatta were not held in 2006 and 2007 due to in adequate dock space. The club is now working with the city to find a permanent home on the river and planning has started to have a regatta for Oct 2008 season.