Circolo Velico Catanzaro A.S.D.
Circolo Velico Catanzaro A.S.D. (CVC) is a non-profit sailing club founded in 1995 in Calabria, focusing its activities on the Gulf of Squillace along the Ionian coast. As a member of the Federazione Italiana Vela, the club serves as a meeting point for all enthusiasts of sailing and sea culture, regardless of prior experience. The club runs an FIV-authorised sailing school offering courses for children from six years of age, juniors and adults – from introductory training on dinghies and cruising yachts to advanced courses for passage sailing and crew leadership. The racing section covers pre-competitive and regatta sailing on Optimist and Laser, as well as offshore competition. An active canoe and kayak section (FICK) complements the programme. Regatta highlights include the Rotta del Cappero e della Malvasia, trophies in the Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area and the Coppa Porto delle Grazie in Roccella Jonica. The club is also involved in the school project Vela a Scuola and maintains the Portolano della Calabria as a nautical information resource for the region.
History
Circolo Velico Catanzaro A.S.D. was born in 1995 from the idea of a group of sailing enthusiasts who wanted to create a non-profit association to promote the culture of sailing and the sea – especially in one of Italy's most demanding coastal stretches, the Gulf of Squillace. Affiliated to the Federazione Italiana Vela, the club aims to be a contact point for all those passionate about the sea and sailing who need not fear lacking experience to enjoy the natural spectacle of the Ionian Sea. Children are a particular focus: the club hopes to build a cultural foundation starting with them so they may look at the sea with the respect and love it deserves. Over the years the CVC developed into a recognised FIV-authorised sailing school with federally certified instructors, classroom lessons and practical sessions at sea. The provincial CONI committee approved a C.A.S. youth sports centre at the club and monitors annual activities. In racing, CVC crews achieved notable results in regional regattas including the Trofeo Velico dell'Area Marina Protetta di Capo Rizzuto, the Coppa Porto delle Grazie in Roccella Jonica in collaboration with CNAJR, and the Regata Velica Città di Catanzaro as part of the Coppa Calabria Basilicata championship. The traditional autumn Rotta del Cappero e della Malvasia, from Porto Rosa (ME) to the waters around Vulcano and Lipari, has been held regularly since the 13th edition in 2004. A CVC delegation took part in the prestigious Barcolana in Trieste, laying foundations for stronger participation in future editions. Besides sailing, the club runs a FICK canoe and kayak section with courses for adults and children from seven years. Through the Vela a Scuola project the club cooperates with schools at various levels, including Scuola Elementare Roccelletta di Borgia in 2005, 2006 and 2008. Press coverage mentioned the club in tourism revival and pescaturismo projects; the club's boats also took part in unusual events such as sailing on the Sila mountains.
Information
Facilities
FIV-authorised sailing school with classroom theory and practical outings at sea on dinghies and cruising yachts; FICK canoe and kayak section with courses for children from 7 years and adults; CONI C.A.S. youth sports centre at the club
Activities
Sailing courses (Junior, Derive, Cabinati, Perfezionamento), competitive training, regional regattas, Rotta del Cappero e della Malvasia, Festa della Montagna, Festa della Vela, sports campuses, conferences, Vela a Scuola school project, canoe and kayak sport, Portolano della Calabria, weather information for regatta sailors
Youth section
Active youth development with pre-competitive sailing from age 7 on Optimist, competitive training up to 15 on Optimist and from 15 on Laser; CAS youth sports centre; Vela a Scuola school project; minimum age for sailing courses 6 years