Record Numbers at Venice's Vogalonga

Vogalonga rows through Venice
© FISA

Imagine lining up at the start of a rowing event and being just one of over 5,000 people. Imagine that there are 1,481 boats alongside you. Welcome to the 30^th edition of Vogalonga in Italy’s canalled town of Venice. Last weekend Venice hosted rowers and paddlers from around the world in an event that has become one of the highlights of the Venetian year.

The 30-kilometre Vogalonga starts to the sound of canon fire at St Marks, then winds through the canals of Venice including the famous Canal Grande in the middle of the town.

This year the event saw near-record numbers of participants and included a vast range of non-powered boats from one-person kayaks through to traditional Venetian Quatordesona with a crew of 14 as well as Chinese dragon boats and wider, ocean-going rowing boats of all shapes and sizes.

Start line, Vogalonga style
© FISA

Billed as a non-competitive event, Vogalonga still attracts rowers with a winning desire and this year a couple of dubious incidents overshadowed the first boats home. The incorrect route was taken by more than one boat and there were claims of boats being altered to gain a competitive advantage.

Two eights passed the finish line at the head of the field followed impressively by a two-person canoe. Due to the non-competitive nature of the event no list of placings is recorded but certificates are giving to all those who participate.

The event was initiated by a group of rowing enthusiasts who wanted to bring awareness to the sport of rowing and at the same time highlight the destructive nature caused by the wave action of powerboats on the foundations of houses and palaces around Venice.

Vogalonga is the latest in a Venetian rowing history that stretches back to 1315 when an annual regatta was instituted to commemorate the victorious battle of the Venetians over pirates in 942 AD. The term regatta itself is derived from the Venetian word describing the initial line-up that is formed by boats before departing.