Real Club Astur de Regatas
The Real Club Astur de Regatas (RCAR) is a traditional sailing club in Gijón on Spain's northern Atlantic coast, founded on 10 September 1911. Its main facilities are in the Cimadevilla district at the foot of Cerro de Santa Catalina, west of the Bay of San Lorenzo, with views of the Gijón coastline. The club offers the historic Pabellón Santa Catalina, premises on Calle Corrida and a sailing school in Gijón's marina with Optimist, Laser and other training boats. Since 1990 the Escuela de Vela has promoted sailing for juniors and adults; fleets include dinghy sailing, cruising and radio-controlled boats. Regattas, coastal cruises with a professional skipper and a varied social programme shape club life. Long ties to the Spanish Navy and the Royal Family, together with more than a century of tradition, make RCAR a fixture of Asturian sailing.
History
The Real Club Astur de Regatas was founded on 10 September 1911; its first president was D. José Antonio García-Sol. Young sports enthusiasts from Gijón joined forces following the example of other cities and ports on the Cantabrian coast. According to Article 1 of the founding statutes, the purpose was to promote recreational sailing, excluding political or religious aims. The main facilities lie in the traditional Cimadevilla district at the foot of Cerro de Santa Catalina, west of the Bay of San Lorenzo. King Alfonso XIII soon accepted patronage and the honorary presidency; by taking part in the 1912 and 1913 regattas he confirmed his support and enabled the cession of the Batería de San Pedro in Santa Catalina for the original club buildings. Links with the Spanish Navy continue today: each 16 July the Festividad del Carmen includes an official reception by the Naval Commander of Gijón at the Pabellón de Santa Catalina. Club history is closely tied to Gijón's social and sporting past; further detail is available in the book "Nuestro Club" in the club library and at the Santa Catalina pavilion offices. Since 1990 the club has run a sailing school in Gijón marina and collaborates with Fundación Ecomar on environmental education for young racing sailors.
Information
Facilities
Historic Pabellón Santa Catalina with over 100 years of history, facilities on Calle Corrida in central Gijón, sailing-school premises in the marina, restaurant, cafeterias and terrace, online shop, members' private area, virtual platform, plus weather station and webcam.
Activities
Regattas and competitions (dinghy, cruising, radio control), sailing school with winter, summer and adult courses, coastal cruises with a professional skipper, social events, restaurant and event services including weddings, environmental education with Fundación Ecomar.
Youth section
Sailing school since 1990 in Gijón marina with qualified instructors, Optimist and Laser training boats, and environmental courses for racing sailors aged 7 to 14 (Grímpola Ecomar).
Parking
Yes, two public car parks nearby