Founded in 1883 the Club Nautique de Nice stands proudly. It’s a majestic building a fortress guarding the harbor entrance. Visible from land and sea it’s more than just a building. The Club Nautique de Nice is a vibrant association. It welcomes hundreds of members thousands of trainees and countless school groups. All engaging in watersports. This legacy began on March 14 1883. A group of passionate individuals had an idea. They created a society. They immediately chose their president. Léonce Le Gros a former naval officer took the helm. Franck Pilatte suggested the name Club Nautique de Nice CNN. The Administrative Commission unanimously approved. It later became the board of directors. The headquarters was at 93 Quai du Midi now the Quai des Etats-Unis.
By 1885 the CNN hosted France’s first congress. It focused on establishing racing standards. Eleven societies participated. That same year the CNN founded the Union of Nautical Societies of the Mediterranean. Their racing rules flag medals and diplomas were showcased. They received a silver medal at the 1886 Nantes maritime exhibition. Members flocked to the CNN. Two driving forces were Franck Pilatte and Edouard Beri. Pilatte a lawyer became bâtonnier of the Nice Bar. The boulevard where the club now stands bears his name. Beri a native of Nice presided over the Académia Nissarda and the Chamber of Commerce. Both served as CNN presidents.
Starting in 1894 the club published a yearbook. This tradition lasted nearly 40 years. That year 48 yachts flew the CNN flag representing 2400 tons. Ferdinand Coucke a generous benefactor created a rowing section. Young leaders established the first Provence Rowing League. Edouard Beri became its president. A boat garage opened on the Quai de la Santé on December 15 1894. The sailing fleet expanded rapidly. By 1896 there were 76 units including 10 Russian 10 English 9 Italian and 2 American boats. Prince Kousnetzoff a member of Nice’s large Russian community owned a 1080-ton three-masted ship.
In 1898 the CNN boasted 276 members and 118 yachts totaling over 6000 tons. A merger brought in members of the Voile club founded in 1886. André Masséna Prince of Essling succeeded Edouard Beri as president. The CNN organized the Mediterranean’s first motorboat races in 1899. King Edward VII of England and King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy provided trophies for the club’s races. The early 20th century saw illustrious members. These included King Alfonso XIII of Spain Prince Louis of Savoy Prince Romanowsky Sir Thomas Lipton with his Shamrock yacht Gustave Eiffel Victor Masséna Prince of Essling and the Vilmorin family. Steam yachts of 2083 tons sailed alongside international-class sailing yachts. The Club Nautique de Nice a testament to passion dedication and the enduring spirit of watersports.