Jedriličarski klub Labud Split
Jedriličarski klub Labud in Split is one of the oldest sailing clubs on the Dalmatian Adriatic coast, based in Uvala Baluni below the Sustipan peninsula. The club operates its own harbour with berths, a clubhouse, travel lift, cranes, hangars, workshops, a gym and a sailing school. The programme ranges from youth training in Optimist and ILCA through Olympic classes to major offshore events such as the Mrduja and Viška regattas. Founded in 1924, Labud has shaped Split's sailing tradition and has already celebrated its centenary.
History
Although a first sailing society in Split already existed in 1890 as a branch of the Adria rowing club, Jedriličarski klub Labud is the city's first official sailing club with continuous activity since 11 November 1924. Founded by Split grammar-school students, they elected Jakov Kirhmajer as first president in early 1925; the following year civil engineer Žarko Dešković took office and over 15 years built Labud into a European club with international competition, including Olympic sailor Karlo Baumann in Berlin 1936. Dešković particularly championed construction of the club harbour, whose basic layout remains today. Already in August 1924, before formal founding, the Labudaši organised the first race from Bagno Polo bathing place in Matejuška to Villa Dalmacija in Meje with 23 boats. In October 1927 they founded the Mrduja Regatta, today one of the oldest races in this part of Europe and a symbol of Labud and the city of Split. Across generations the club has shaped families and sailors who often start as children in Optimist and other classes. Labud still organises key events such as the Viška Regatta (since 1945), the Komiška and Paiška regattas and the Split Sailing Festival. For the centenary in 2024 monographs appeared and Olympians such as Palma Čargo set out from Uvala Baluni to the Olympic Games. The club's Olympic wall was renewed and commemorates Finn-class legends Minski Fabris and Ivan Kljaković Gašpić. Today Labud remains organiser of major Adriatic regattas and youth development in Split.
Information
Facilities
Club harbour in Uvala Baluni with berths on breakwater, piers and shore, clubhouse, travel lift up to 25 t, cranes up to 5 t, floating slipway for light dinghies, hangars for boats, gear and masts, gym, classroom and archive, boat workshop, changing rooms, engine workshop, skip crane for masts and engines up to 200 kg, plus office building with service and sanitary facilities.
Activities
Organisation of major cruiser and youth regattas (Mrduja, Viška, Labud Classic, Komiška, Paiška, Mrduja Optimist Cup), sailing school for children and youth, racing training in Olympic classes, offshore and classic sailing, and participation in the Split Sailing Festival.
Youth section
Active youth and cadet section with Optimist fleet, sailing school, ILCA juniors and regular youth races such as the Mrduja Optimist Cup.