“A private investor bought the yacht club building for 650 million?” That is correct. Today we stand before the Saint-Petersburg River Yacht Club of Trade Unions. It is a place steeped in maritime history.
The Saint-Petersburg River Yacht Club is one of the oldest yacht clubs in Russia. Its history is long and interesting. It was founded on March 14 1860. The club is located in Saint Petersburg.
Originally it was known as the Saint-Petersburg River Yacht Club. Until 1996 it was known as the Central Yacht Club. The club has had to change its borders and names many times.
In 2017 the Saint-Petersburg River Yacht Club occupied about 12 hectares of land. Competitions are constantly held here. Holidays and concerts take place regularly.
Back in the late 1850s sailing became popular among the elite. They had previously been excluded from the Imperial Yacht Club. In 1858 Albert Cavos bought a 17-foot yacht in England. He sailed regularly on the Neva with friends.
Yachtsmen rented a dacha on the banks of the Srednyaya Nevka. They used it as a boathouse. Later they organized the “All Hands Ahoy” circle. In 1859 a sports organization was founded called the Neva Boat Club. Vasily Yurevich Poznansky was elected commander of the club.
On March 14 1860 the club received its official name. It became the Saint-Petersburg River Yacht Club. The club opened its first sports season that year.
After fifty years the River Yacht Club had around 2700 members. It acquired 533 yachts. It organized more than 500 races. The club served as a model for other yacht clubs in Russia.
By the early 20th century the club introduced a “volunteer” program. This allowed young people to join the club. Russian yachtsmen successfully participated in international competitions.
The October Revolution and World War I greatly limited the yacht club’s activities. The yachts were moved away from the border. Remaining yachts needed repair.
In 1917 the River Yacht Club was transferred to the People’s Commissariat. In 1919 the new government took measures. They aimed to democratize water sports. They also prepared personnel for the fleet. The first naval unit was organized. It was for training young men in naval affairs.
In 1924 the units were transformed. The club was transferred to a trade union organization. In 1934 the River Yacht Club was given a new area. It was located on Petrovsky Island.
During the Great Patriotic War the yacht club housed a military unit. Many yachtsmen participated in military operations. After the blockade was lifted sports life began to revive.
In 1946 a children’s sports sailing school opened. In subsequent years long-distance cruises developed. In 1956 the yacht “Dvina” visited Stockholm. Yachts entered ports in Bulgaria Poland Finland and Sweden.
The Saint-Petersburg River Yacht Club remains the largest in the European part of Russia. It has berths for more than 350 vessels. The fleet consists of about 100 sailing yachts.
In July 2023 the Petrograd District Court decided to liquidate the club. This was due to misuse and safety violations. The city is claiming rights to the land. Officials plan to develop it for science and sports. The Saint-Petersburg River Yacht Club of Trade Unions reflects dedication and passion. These have shaped maritime culture in Saint Petersburg. It serves as a reminder of the city’s rich nautical heritage.