|
|
Curiosity Corner
Learn More
Rowing: The Founding Sport
The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo was founded on November 17, 1895, originally as a rowing club — a sport that was extremely popular in Rio de Janeiro at the time. The founding took place at 22 Praia do Flamengo, the home of Nestor de Barros, one of the club’s founders.
The official founding date was later established as November 15, a national holiday commemorating Brazil’s Proclamation of the Republic.
A Story of Overcoming and Unity
The creation of Flamengo is deeply tied to a remarkable episode of perseverance and friendship.
On October 6, 1895, a group of passionate young rowers — Nestor de Barros, José Agostinho Pereira da Cunha, Mário Spíndola, Augusto Lopes da Silveira, Felisberto Laport, and José Félix da Cunha Meneses — purchased a used whaleboat named Pherusa. After restoring it, they decided to make their first voyage, rowing from Ponta do Caju to Praia do Flamengo.
During the crossing, strong winds and heavy rain caused the Pherusa to capsize, putting the crew in serious danger.
One of the rowers, Joaquim Bahia, an excellent swimmer, swam to shore to seek help, while the others clung to the wreckage.
Fortunately, a nearby boat named Leal spotted them and rescued everyone.
From Shipwreck to Legacy
The incident only strengthened their friendship and their determination to create a rowing club. After the shipwreck, they tried to recover the Pherusa, but the boat had been stolen and never found. Refusing to give up, the group bought a new vessel — the Scyra.
On November 17, 1895, they gathered once again at Nestor de Barros’s home on Praia do Flamengo and officially founded the Grupo de Regatas do Flamengo, which would later become the Clube de Regatas do Flamengo.
A Club Born from Friendship
Thus, Flamengo was born not only out of love for sport, but out of friendship, unity, and resilience — values that continue to define the very essence of the club to this day.
