Inter-club and intra-club regattas were conducted quite regularly during those years, and the extensive press coverage that the sport received was indicative of its popularity.
[citation needed] In 1933, the Amateur Rowing Association of the East was formed, and the Madras Boat Club was one of its founder members.
In the inaugural regatta of the ARAE in 1933 at Pune, MBC won the Willingdon Fours and the Venables Pairs trophies.
In order to generate fresh interest in the sport, in 1966 students were brought in as members, and today they form the hub of the rowing activity.
In the early seventies, Borun Chanda introduced a pattern of organised coaching and training and this paved the way for better performances on the water.
After a few years, the Rowing Federation of India was formed, primarily through the efforts of the members of the Madras Boat Club.
At the 1980 Nationals at Calcutta, MBC rowers helped Tamil Nadu win the gold in the Coxed Fours event.
The year 1983 saw the Indian team participate in the World Rowing Championship for the first time, with Borun Chanda was the Chief Coach.
Several of the nominees of the Tamil Nadu Amateur Rowing Association were permitted to use the club's facilities for the purpose of training.
The efforts paid off, and for three years they emphatically dominated the women's rowing scene in the country, winning every national event during the period.
In 1989 they were selected to represent India at the Asian Rowing Championships at Chandigarh, where they won two silver medals - lightweight and open.
Besides the unchecked pollution that has been taking place, the river stands so badly silted that the stretches of water available for training and racing is far from what is required.