History
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.
GOLD MEDAL BOARD
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.
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!
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