Nautical Club: Another Choice at Santiago’s Promenade
Talking about the promenade has become usual, as it’s one of the many constructive works that are being carried out in Santiago de Cuba in a bid to improve the image of this area of the city.
Click on Santiago de Cuba: A City of 500 Years
Former Michelsen Avenue, which is presently named Jesus Menendez, has witnessed the restless works aimed at restoring this space, including six parks, sports courses, and more.
The Nautical Club is one of these facilities, with a brand-new structural image, similar to its origins.
LEARN ABOUT ITS ORIGINS
According to documents from that time, in 1840 the town council started the construction of La Marina or Alameda Promenade because of the great view of the bay.
The Nautical Club was built in 1892 and it was one of the first sports associations. Its origins date back to the late 19th century when Mr. Roberto Mason rents a property near the cove of Santiago so as to store small boats. Later on, it is substituted by one named “Baños de Valiente”, until April 10, 1893, when the Nautical Club was established with notable membership.
Pictures of that time show a construction made with high-quality wood, lateral corridors, spacious arcades and deluxe furniture during its first decades.
Subsequent enhancements gave it a gymnastics hall, bathrooms, lockers and an area where visitors used to board boats, yachts and other types of vessels.
The press of the time described the “Nautical Club” as a sports and leisure association, only surpassed by the “Havana Yacht Club” and, although it was less exclusive than the one in Havana, its members were approved by the board of directors and they had to pay for their membership.
The club was closed in 1897 because of the pro-independence and conspiratorial activities that were taken place there. It was reopened on May 1, 1903, after important modifications.
THE PEOPLE OF SANTIAGO NEVER GAVE UP ON THIS PLACE
As time passed by, the facility began to languish and end up as ruins. The beauty faded away, along with the memories of meetings with friends and dates; but the people of Santiago never let it fall into oblivion.
The Club, based at the bay, was rescued from abandonment and salt residues so it could be useful once again, with new and attractive activities.
This club is undergoing numberless transformations in order to give it more comfort and functionality, as well as to rescue part of its original architecture.
A PLACE FOR FINE FOOD AND LEISURE IS ALMOST READY
The work continues along the coastline of Santiago de Cuba and when “Nautical Club” restaurant is ready to open its doors, it will put on the table attractive gastronomic and recreational offers accompanied by the nice breeze.
In an effort to get it done by the scheduled date, several institutions and organizations have collaborated in the remodeling of the place, with a leading role played by youngsters and the expertise of veterans.
Dermeis Sanchez Enriquez, manager of this gastronomic facility said: “The workers have assembled the steel pieces, metallic structures and the roof.
“A team of self-employed workers is about to start working on the floor and the restoration of handrails; while furniture company MADESA is in charge of repairing wooden structures.
“When the restaurant is ready to offer it services, we’ll be able to seat nearly 60 patrons and we’ll have three boats sailing throughout the bay and serving fried fish. We’re members of Specialized Gastronomy, sea rice in our main dish and we’ll be open from noon to 11:45 p.m.”
Say Antonio Castillo Hernandez, a young mechanical engineer, pointed out: “I lead the team and our work is almost done. Step by step, we’ve followed the plans and the quality of the works is high. I just graduated at the Eastern University, I’ve been only working for eight months and I’m applying everything I learned at the academy. This is very important to me because it’s an important work and I never thought I would lead this work.”
“This is the best that has happened to me: working in one of the constructions to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the foundation of the city.”
A PRESENT FOR THE 500TH ANNIVERSARY OF SANTIAGO
We’re about to celebrate our achievements. Several works are being finished, with the sweat and few sleeping time of workers, constructors and the people in general. Preserving them it’s up to us, so Santiago can stand as the city of our dreams.
