Royal Yacht Club of San Sebastián: History, activities and visits

The Real Club Náutico (Royal Yacht Club) of San Sebastián is one of the most prestigious clubs in the city, with a long history. Today, the building where it is located is even an icon of the city. Therefore, in Free Walking Tour we will tell you about the history of the club and the activities and visits that can be done around it.

History of the Royal Yacht Club

In January 2022, the Royal Yacht Club of San Sebastián celebrated its 125th anniversary, having been founded in 1896. It was created by a group of sailors, that is, those who sailed or steered sloop in Donostia at that time. It is important to note that at that time, the city was a major tourist destination for both the Spanish aristocracy and wealthy families from across Europe. This meant that maritime activities, which provided entertainment for all these people, were very popular.

This group of creators was united by their passion for the sea and their desire to share it with others. In this way, they sought to promote water sports in Donostia.

The nautic club San Sebastian’s first facility was located on a barge anchored in La Concha Bay. It was not until 1905 that they acquired a fish farm, right where the current building of the Royal Yacht Club of San Sebastián stands today.

Facilities and services

The building

The current building was designed by architects José Manuel Aizpurua and Joaquín Labayen and built in 1928-1929. It is considered a magnificent example of Spanish Rationalist architecture. In fact, it was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in the monument category. It is located in a privileged location, next to the Donostia Town Hall, the former casino, overlooking La Concha Bay.

His inspiration came from a ship docked in the harbour, reminiscent of the club’s first facility. The first plan was drawn up in 1923, although it is true that details were changed, even after work had already begun.

After its construction, there were also changes. Among others, in 1947 the upper terrace was closed, and the building was expanded. One of the objectives was to protect the building from bad weather. After minor changes, in 2017 it was completed as we know it today.

Sports activities and services

The club has sailing, canoeing, and diving schools for different levels. Introductory courses are offered through the city’s School Sports program and the UDA sports activities campaign (Summer Courses).

The Sailing School offers theoretical and practical classes on the water throughout the year. They also participate in competitions in the Basque Country and, if they qualify, in Spanish and World Cups and Championships.

The Canoe School offers courses on demand. In addition, they compete in kayak surfing, freestyle, extreme, and cross-country events at state, regional, and world levels.

In addition to the schools, the club offers certain services to its members, including a bar-restaurant, a gym, a sauna, a mini pelota court and social rooms. Conferences and exhibitions on the maritime world are also held.

Important events and regattas

The nautic club San Sebastian organises various nautical events related to the regattas they participate in.

• Cruiser regattas: Combination of coastal courses with six windward-leeward races. Five trophies are awarded in May and August: the Legazpi Trophy, the Elkano Trophy, the Oquendo Gold Sailing Trophy, the Urdaneta Aste Nagusia Porsche Trophy and the Blas de Lezo One Sails Trophy. All of them are dedicated to important Basque sailors.
• Dinghy sailing regattas: Regattas for school fleets and technical training in single and double boats.
• Armada Cup Regattas: In 1984, an agreement was signed between Plymouth and Donostia-San Sebastián to create the only international offshore regatta on the Cantabrian coast. They work together with the Royal Western Yacht Club of England. It departs from the bay of the British city, crossing the English Channel, passing by the island of Ouessant and the Chaussée de Sein until reaching the Basque Country in a maximum of seven days. The first race was in 1986 and the next will be on 18 July 2026.

Fun facts and achievements of Nautic Club San Senastian

The Royal Yacht Club of San Sebastián has a very notable achievement. Between 1951 and 1955, it organized one of the most important transoceanic regattas, from Havana to San Sebastián.

It is also a benchmark in world canoeing. Many of the world champions in kayak surfing belong to the club, including Urko Otxoa, Odei Etxeberria, Garazi Iturralde, and Olatz Garmendia.

The club building was constructed in its current location for one reason. When the old casino was still a casino, it could not be built there, as it would have blocked the view of the bay for those inside. When the casino ceased to be used, it could be built facing the bay and enjoy the wonderful views it has today.