Photo: ©Sebastian Devenish
Rear-Commodore Manrico Iachia, left, and Commodore Peter Erzberger, right
Two if by Sea
Commodore Peter Erzberger & Rear-Commodore Manrico Iachia On the occasion of their recent election, GSTAADLIFE sat down with Gstaad Yacht Club's Commodore and Rear-Commodore for a look into the club's past, present, and future. INTERVIEW BY ALEXIS MUNIER
GSTAADLIFE: Gstaad Yacht Club at first appears to be an oxymoron. How was your unusual club founded? Peter Erzberger: Everything started in 1996 in St Tropez, where one of our founding members had bought a beautiful classic Riva motorboat and wanted to give it a unique identity. He designed the burgee, beach towels, and jacket of the so-called “Yacht Club de Gstaad.” A virtual club was born! GL: And when did the club make it from the south of France to the Saanenland? PE: The following winter someone in Gstaad asked him how one could become member of this club. Not sure what to answer, he spoke with some friends who decided to found a real club. Ten founding members arranged the by-laws at the Olden Restaurant. On 28 February 1998 George
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Nicholson was elected Commodore and the founders pledged to support this Club. Thanks to the generous offer from one of the initial members, a first target was achieved: the club moved into the exclusive clubrooms above the spa of Le Grand Bellevue Hotel. The club was able to develop further, to revel in the exceptional atmosphere–the harmony between the sea and the mountains–and later on established a top restaurant under the management of Robert Speth. The club could never have gotten this far without the strong support and encouragement of all our members. GL: How many members do you have and what is the application process? Manrico Iachia: As we approach the 400-member mark, we have come to realise just how much synergy there is between the mountains and the sea. Our members are representative of 24 nationalities; they enjoy a unique network and year-round activities on the waters, in the clubhouse, and the Saanenland. GYC is currently accepting a limited number of new members. Anybody who enjoys
PROFILE // GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 2 // FEBRUARY 19, 2016
sailing or yachting and is a regular visitor to Gstaad can contact the club to obtain additional details. The membership application follows a strict procedure and requires two recommendations by existing club members. GL: When and how did you first get involved in the club? MI: I learned about the GYC at a dinner party here in Gstaad. Living in Portugal–close to the sea–I enjoy boating. As a classic car and Riva nut, I joined after having taken part in the first Rally and Yachting event. This event will celebrate its 10th anniversary this summer. The destination is secret– water is involved, as all participants, after a scenic drive, perform model boat sailing on a lake or sea. GL: What is your current role and what are your responsibilities? MI: I am first-time Rear-Commodore and am responsible for the club’s worldwide relationships. Over the last year, we have increased the club’s reciprocity network to more than 25 yacht clubs, spread over all continents. The clubs allow our members a global network of friends and give