In 1888, twelve Monegasques got together to create a sports club called Société des Régates; it organised sailing and rowing regattas. In 1953, the Yacht Club de Monaco was founded and took over the sailing activities, while the Société des Régates changed its name to Société Nautique de Monaco and continued with the rowing. A young Monegasque oarsman representing the Principality performed brilliantly at the recent Olympic Games in London.