Vogalonga 2022: a rowing race to fall in love with Venice

Have you ever heard of Venetian rowing or Voga? The traditional sport that resists technological evolution, still widely practiced throughout the lagoon. The most famous non-competitive regatta in the world is back in June.

The Venetian rowing is a particular technique in which the rower, standing upright, leads a boat without a rudder, using one or two oars. To execute a row you have to hold the oar with both hands and push the oar forward with a movement that includes arms, torso and legs, using your weight on the oar to move the boat forward, stretching forward as much as possible.

A sport that proudly represents Venetian history and its eternal and ancient bond with the waters. Established over forty years ago, the Vogalonga regatta has become an internationally renowned event over the years involving sailors from every corner of the world. A highly anticipated event that brings spectators and participants to retrace the most fascinating areas of the Serenissima.

Events in Venice: Vogalonga 2022, 46th Edition

The 46th edition of Vogalonga will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2022. The historic event has taken place since 1975 with the aim of restoring Venetian traditions and opposing the deterioration of the city, increasingly populated by motor boats. 

The Vogalonga is a non-competitive amateur sporting event, for which there is no ranking of the arrival of boats. There are no prizes, all participants receive a diploma, a medal and a t-shirt as a souvenir.

Participation is open to all, the only requirement is to be over the age of sixteen. For the 46th edition, 2000 boats and 800 participants are expected. In addition, all rowing boats are allowed without weight limits.

The Vogalonga route

The route, 30 kilometers long, is traced among the most populated islands of the lagoon. The departure is set after the traditional cannon shot, from the San Marco Basin, between the canals of the Lido, Giudecca and the Grand Canal. The island of Sant’Elena is surrounded, continuing towards the coasts of the Vignole, Sant’Erasmo and San Francesco del Deserto islands. The party procession continues until the island of Burano is reached, skirting the islands of Mazzorbo, Madonna del Monte and San Giacomo in Paludo; the event enters Murano by crossing its Grand Canal. Once in Venice, the parade passes by the Rialto Bridge and the Accademia Bridge, in front of an euphoric audience to end up in front of Punta della Dogana, in San Marco.

Undoubtedly a unique opportunity that allows you to cross the most famous and beautiful corners of Venice. The Vogalonga has become an event that attracts more and more tourists curious to visit the Serenissima in one of the most characteristic contexts of the city.

You might be interested in… The most beautiful districts to explore in Venice 

Sports tourism in Venice

Sports tourism is an alternative travel choice that has grown rapidly in recent years. There are many fans who travel to watch a championship or a competition, while others choose specific and particularly interesting territories to practice certain sports and disciplines; such as hiking, surfing, rowing and, why not, Voga. In Venice you can find several schools that offer the opportunity to learn the art of Venetian rowing, a fun way to immerse yourself in one of the most ancient traditions of the Serenissima. Thanks to these courses and to initiatives like Vogalonga, the traditional Venetian rowing technique is passed down from generation to generation.

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