Vogalonga
The Vogalonga ( Italian: voga = rowing, lunga = long) is a rowing competition that usually takes place annually on Pentecost Sunday in Venice . All boat classes that are moved with muscle power can participate, for example rowing boats, canoes or gondolas .
The route is 30 kilometers and begins and ends in St. Mark's Square . It leads past the islands of Vignole and Sant'Erasmo to Burano , then back over Murano and through the Grand Canal .
The event is a peaceful colorful manifestation for motorless traffic and against pollution of the lagoon and has been taking place since 1974.
history
During a race on November 11, 1974 between a group of Venetians, both amateurs and professionals, the idea was born to found a regatta for all fans of Venetian rowing and to revive old rowing tradition. At that time, the reputation of rowing boats had lost a lot due to the increasing popularity of motor boats. In addition, the initiators wanted to start a campaign with the regatta to draw attention to the waves caused by motorboats in the lagoons of Venice.
The first Vogalonga took place on Ascension Day 1975, May 8, 1975. In Venice this day was also the festa della Sensa. The approximately 30 km long route led along important and central places in Venice such as the harbor basin in front of St. Mark's Square and the Grand Canal . From there the regatta course led to surrounding areas such as Burano and Murano , before returning to Venice. For the first edition of Vogalonga, 500 boats with around 1500 participants from Venice and many other places in the surrounding area registered.
Web links
- Official Italian website of the organizer
- German-language website with information, tips and a forum