The first news, however, of the existence of rowing, as we know today, dates back to the 1870s. At that time, in fact, the southern nobility continued the centuries-old habit of moving to Castellammare in the summer, to the splendid villas that framed the ancient Bourbon residence of Quisisana.
The young scions of these families - Acton, Caracciolo, Ruffo, Paternò, Capece - practised the sport of rowing in Neapolitan clubs and organised races in Castellammare during the summer.
No wonder, therefore, that on 1st June 1881 the Stabian Rowing Club was founded in the city thanks to the initiative of Giovanbattista Gallone, Prince of Moliterno, Marsiconovo and Tricase.
Giovanbattista Gallone was a man of the world, as they say, a frequent visitor to the best salons in Europe, the animator, as according to the chronicles, of Stabia's summers.
Among the many initiatives of which he was a promoter was the foundation of the Stabian Rowing Club.
In fact, on 20th July 1881, he sent a letter to the municipal administration informing them of the constitution '... of the Stabian Rowing Club, recently established in this city, with the aim of encouraging young people to take up rowing and, consequently, to race. Developing, in the younger generations a taste for the sea, good for them and for Italy; already in many places, similar societies arise, welcome with widespread acclaim. In addition to the national opportunity of this institution, it also offers the city material advantages, helping to increase the number of holidaymakers by making our rowing races more brilliant.
Certainly the prince would never have imagined that, a century later, Stabiese rowing would be crowned with world and Olympic laurels.
It should be clarified immediately that the Club was founded by Stabiesi or in any case by residents of the town, as can be seen from art. 30 of the Articles of Association: "People, who do not have a stable abode in Castellammare, may be invited to attend the Club for eight days, upon request of a member, and with the approval of the Board of Directors."
Over the years, the rowing races organised by the Circolo Canottieri Stabiani were such a success with the public that many wanted to give a try at this new discipline, which thus went from being an elite sport to becoming widely popular. A bit like what had happened with tennis.
The yearbook of the Regio Yacht Club Italiano shows that in 1884, i.e. three years after the establishment of the Circolo Canottieri Stabiani, there were only five other rowing clubs in Italy and the Federation itself was not established in Turin until 1888.
The club's emblem was a rectangular flag with vertical yellow and blue stripes, the colours of the city. The entry fee was ten liras and the monthly fee three liras. The first jolas were built in the shipbuilder Gennaro Bonifacio's shipyards, a member of the club.
The first president was Prince Giovanbattista Gallone.
