The club

Founded by Gabriele D’Annunzio in 1928, FVR is one of the most dynamic sailing clubs on the international scene.

History

Some historical notes

The term fraglia is thought to have come from Venetian-Istrian dialect meaning guild, which could prove its association with marine and sport. Another hypothesis is that it is a contraction of the voices fratellanza and famiglia in mediaeval monastic Latin. Whatever the case it inspired d’Annunzio to name Fraglia della Vela the new independent section of the generic Fraglia Atletica Benacense. The Club is situated in Riva del Garda’s Park in front of the historic Canale della Rocca and 13th century fortress.

The Club started up in the 1920’s as part of the Società Sportiva Benacense. In 1920 the restoration of the Austrian cutter Sirius, retrieved from the lake and renamed Galeotto, became the first flagship of a small fleet of rowers known as the S.S. Benacense: thus signalling the start of a long history of boats, champions and major regattas.

In 1928 Fraglia became a separate entity working towards a statute on the development of the art of sailing encouraging competitive sport through racing.

In June 1934 the Club was inaugurated and in the same year the adjacent area known as the Spiaggia degli Ulivi was opened, transforming the town of Riva from a Hapsburg health spa into a charming Italian resort with a decidedly Mediterranean flavour.

One of the most notable figures to have patronised and supported Fraglia was the great Italian poet Gabriele d’Annunzio. On the 31st of August 1937 he was named President ab Aeterno by the Association. In 1951 the first edition of International Sailing Week, Intervela, took place and in 2010 its 60th anniversary was celebrated.

Fraglia Vela Riva has been awarded a sport distinction Stella d’argento and Stella d’oro by CONI. Throughout its history Fraglia Vela Riva has always promoted sailing events in perfect synthesis with the tourism of Upper Garda and Trentino. Today Riva is well known in the world for its excellent climatic and wind conditions and is a major attraction for International Regattas and outdoor sports. Lake Garda: that «marvel of a lake» as described by Goethe.

Every year youngsters, trained athletes and members reach new heights in their classes and events: winning national, continental and iridate titles as well as competing in several Olympic Games. So many have contributed in creating the rich history of Fraglia Vela Riva.

Roll of Honor

On the 6th April, 2012 Fraglia Vela Riva entered into The Guinness World Records with the XXX Garda Optimist Meeting, the largest single – class regatta in the world with an incredible 1055 participants. This official record will always remain in the history of Fraglia Vela Riva and World Sailing!

Port and headquarters

The historic site of the club

Fraglia Vela Riva has in concession from the Provincia Autonoma di Trento the stretch of water directly in front of the club, which provides 100 berth places for inshore and offshore boats on the two outer piers. Another fifty spaces are available on the newly restructured Spiaggia degli Ulivi (Olive Tree Beach), which is exclusively reserved for race participants.

Fraglia Vela Riva provides a wide range of facilities for competitors 365 days a year. The administration offices, mechanic’s shop and changing rooms are located on the ground floor next to the crane and boat launch; on the first floor is a restaurants and bar, lounge with internet, a terrace with a breathtaking view of the lake and lots of services for before and after competitions.

The covered terrace is a perfect venue for dinners and parties and gives competitors and officials a chance to relax and get to know each other. Close to the clubhouse along the lake there is a special area, suitable for marketing expositions, offering an alternative to the more traditional venues. In addition to seasonal berthing, Fraglia Vela Riva also has rates for whoever wants to berth for only a few days, where they are welcome to enjoy all the facilities and services the club offers.

Facilities

The club is equipped to host boats, transportation, competitors and their entourage with a number of services and facilities: a 250 space boat park adjacent to the club, 2 launch ramps for cars and trailers, three pilot boats for the regatta committee, 14 rubber dinghies, a boat house, 2 conference rooms, sailing school, bathrooms, showers and changing rooms, regatta administration office, three jury and committee offices, bar, restaurant, a 400 square metre covered terrace for parties and award ceremonies, sun-room, weather station, web cam and wireless.