Agreement between Athletic Club and Itsasmuseum for the restoration of La Gabarra

Athletic Club and Itsasmuseum Bilbao announced an agreement this afternoon to sign a recovery agreement for La Gabarra, which is owned by the Maritime Museum Foundation, so that it can be used by the red-and-white club on special and important occasions, such as the celebration of sporting success.

As a result of the inter-institutional good spirit and collaboration, Ibaigane commits itself to restore the boat, paying for adaptation work, and the Maritime Museum Foundation will guarantee its maintenance for use in accordance with the regulations required by the Administration and/or the corresponding Port Authority.

This agreement will be valid for twenty years, and can be extended for an equal period if neither of the parties notifies the other party within six months notice its intention not to extend it. The restoration works will begin next week with the lifting of La Gabarra.

Daniel Ruiz-Bazán, the red-and-white captain who lifted the League and Cup titles in the eighties with Athletic Club on board of the boat; Andoni Goikoetxea, his partner at that time; and the mythical Jose Angel Iribar have symbolised the red-and-white spirit at the ceremony presented today at the Itsasmuseum Bilbao. The Mayor of Bilbao, Juan Mari Aburto, the Basque Country’s Deputy for Culture and Sport, Lorea Bilbao, and the President of Athletic Club, Aitor Elizegi, led the event, which was also attended by Jon Ruigómez, Director of the Itsasmuseum, Luis Gabiola, Director of Operations of the Port Authority, and a representation of the directors of the Red and White Club.vent, which was also attended by Jon Ruigómez, Director of the Itsasmuseum, Luis Gabiola, Director of Operations of the Port Authority, and a representation of the directors of the red-and-white Club.