Women's Adelaide Rowing Club one-piece rowing suit
Maker
Oarsome Australia
Datec 2001
Object number00034284
NameRowing suit
MediumCotton, elastane (Spandex or Lycra)
DimensionsOverall: 820 x 415 mm, 260 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis Adelaide Rowing Club sleeveless one-piece women's rowing suit was made in Australia. The upper section features a black, yellow and red striped design with a round neck and black trimmed arm holes. It has the logo of the Adelaide Rowing Club on the front at the upper left side.HistoryThe Adelaide Rowing Club was formed on South Australia's Torrens River in 1882. Known initially as I Zingari Rowing Club, the Spanish term for 'the gypsies', membership was decided by secret ballot and for amateur male rowers only. Unaligned with any particular district, fraternity or trade, the club took its name from the highly exclusive amateur British Cricket Club and was considered snobbish and elitist by other rowing clubs active around Adelaide at the time.
Adelaide Rowing Club quickly became one of the key social venues for the aspiring upper classes of colonial South Australian society in the latter half of the 19th century. The club calendar included such 'must attend' events as the 'Opening of the Season', swimming races in the City Baths, the annual 'Club Ball', and various concerts, theatrical events and 'smoke socials'. Local, regional and inter-colonial regattas also drew large crowds, vice-regal attendance and much press coverage.
Today Adelaide Rowing Club is South Australia's largest rowing club. With over 300 members, a fleet of 44 boats and a fully licensed clubhouse, the club has an active social calendar. Conscious of its long history, the club holds an array of photographs, oars, trophies and other memorabilia, much of which is on proud display in the clubhouse.
Interstate amateur 'ladies' rowing commenced in 1919, when South Australia met and defeated Victoria. An Australian Ladies' Rowing Council was formed in 1920. The Council sougnt to hold an interstate women's four race on the same day as the interstate men's eights, a proposal that proved unsuccessful. South Australia won the women's interstate race in 1921 and again in 1924.SignificanceThis suit is representative of uniforms worn by competitive women rowers in Australia in 2001.
