Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club facts for kids
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| Short name | RGYC |
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| Founded | 1829 |
| Location | Gibraltar Harbour, Gibraltar |
| Website | https://www.rgyc.gi/ |
The Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club is a famous club for sailing and boating. It was started in 1829 by officers from the Royal Navy. At first, it was called the Gibraltar Yacht Club. It was one of the first yacht clubs to open outside of Britain.
Important people like British kings and queens, and governors of Gibraltar, have supported the club. The first time a reigning monarch visited was in 1954. Over time, more local people joined the club as fewer navy members were around. The club also has a sailing school. It opened in 2001 and helps people learn to sail. The club had to move from its old spot because of new land being built in Gibraltar Harbour. A new building for the club is being built now.
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A Look Back: Club History
The Gibraltar Yacht Club began in 1829 in Gibraltar. It was founded by officers from the Royal Navy who were stationed there. This made it one of the very first yacht clubs outside of Britain. The Singapore Yacht Club opened just three years before.
The first mention of the club was in a newspaper called the Gibraltar Chronicle. On July 15, 1829, it said that members would meet at Griffiths Hotel. Officers from the military who wanted to join were asked to come. This first meeting took place at Griffiths Hotel in Commercial Square. Today, this area is known as John Mackintosh Square. Later, club meetings were held at the Garrison Library. By the end of the 1800s, the club moved to Gibraltar Harbour.
The club's oldest records are missing. But they do have a notice from 1837. It says the club members could fly a special flag called a "St. George’s or White Ensign." Later, in 1842, they were allowed to use a Blue Ensign instead.
First Races and Royal Connections
The first sailing race with records was on July 22, 1893. Besides sailing, that day also had swimming, water polo, and rowing. In 1910, King George V, who was then the Prince of Wales, gave the club a special cup. This cup is now called the King's Cup and is for an annual sailing competition. The next year, the prince became a supporter of the club.
In 1933, King George V gave the club the title "Royal." This is why it's now called the Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club. The first time a king or queen visited was in May 1954. Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh came to the club. They arrived in Gibraltar on the royal yacht Britannia. Prince Philip is still a member of the club today.
In its early years, only Royal Navy officers could join the club. The Governor of Gibraltar was always one of its main supporters.
Growing Popularity
Many yacht clubs started in the British Empire during the 1800s. This was partly because more people had money. But it was also because sailing was seen as a fancy hobby. Being connected to royalty, like Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, made it even more popular.
At first, only a few local Gibraltarians joined the club. But in the late 1900s, as fewer Royal Navy members were around, many more locals became members. In 1991, the Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club hosted a big event called Europa 92. This was a race for small yachts around the world. The club gave all the sailors temporary membership before the race started.
The Club Today: 21st Century Sailing
The main goal of the Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club is to encourage sailing in Gibraltar. The club uses special boats called Victory Class yachts and 420s. They have 17 Victory Class yachts. Sailors compete for 21 different trophies each season, from May to October. The King's Cup is the most important trophy. It is given for the best performance in the Victory Class boats.
The United Kingdom's R.A.F. Sailing Association competes at the club every year. The Tango Laser Open is the last competition of the summer. It has a race for adults that is open to everyone, not just club members. Many sailors from Spain, like those from the yacht club in La Línea de la Concepción, come to this event.
Gibraltar Regatta
The Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club also organizes the annual Gibraltar Regatta. This big sailing event takes place in the Bay of Gibraltar. In 2011, it was held from July 29 to 31. Sailors could enter in one of four groups. Awards were given to the top three boats in each group. There was also a special award for the fastest boat in the "Round the Rock" race. The Gibraltar Regatta was held again in July 2012.
Sailing Academy and Training
The club's sailing academy started in May 2001. In 2004, it became an official teaching center for the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). Volunteers run the teaching center, and the yacht club helps pay for it. Lessons are available from March to November for both members and non-members. Beginners can take a one-week course in the summer.
In 2004, the club also became an RYA training center for powerboating. Six years later, in 2010, the club became a place where people could get an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) for both sailing and powerboating.
Club Relocation
In December 2008, club members sailed from their old location for the last time. In early 2009, new land was created in front of the yacht club. This project used sand from the seabed. Because of this new land, the club had to move. It moved from 26 Queensway to a temporary spot at 2 Queensway.
New temporary places for boats were built behind an old military health building. A company called Profield Contractors won the job to build a new club house. This new club house and other buildings are being built on Coaling Island. In 2011, the government said it would spend £1.5 million to help the club move. The new location on Coaling Island used to be a military site for boats. In 2012, the Government of Gibraltar asked for bids to build the "Proposed Marine Works at the New Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club."
Images for kids
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Ensign of the Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club
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The first meeting of the Gibraltar Yacht Club happened at the Griffiths Hotel.
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King George V gave the club the title "Royal" in 1933.
