The Historic Regatta of Venice: A Celebration of Tradition and Sport

Every September, on the first Sunday of the month, Venice transforms into a vibrant stage for one of its most cherished traditions – the Historic Regatta (Regata Storica in Italian). This annual spectacle is a highlight for locals and visitors alike, as crowds line the Canal Grande to witness the exhilarating boat races. 

The term “regatta” has its roots in Venice and originally referred to rowing boat races. The exact origin of the word is a bit of a mystery, but one theory suggests it comes from the practice of aligning boats at the start line (rigata), which evolved into the term we use today. 

The earliest records of the regatta date back to the 13th century, linked to the Festa delle Marie feast, though it’s believed that its origins go even further back, tied to the need for training rowing crews. In its early days, the regatta featured contests between boatmen and gondoliers, with grand celebrations funded by private individuals or foreign princes. Even after the fall of the Serenissima Republic in 1797, the tradition endured. The modern regatta began in 1841 when the costs were covered by the public rather than private patrons, and the Austrian authorities organized a boat race along the Canal Grande. It was only in 1899, during the Third International Art Biennale, that the regatta was officially named “storica” on the proposal of Venice’s mayor, Count Filippo Grimani. 

Today’s event showcases a series of races featuring traditional boats, each offering its own unique charm: 

Pupparin: Once used for maritime surveillance or as a pleasure craft, this fast boat is known for its pronounced stern. 

Mascareta: A lightweight sandolo used for fishing, racing, and leisurely trips in the lagoon. 

Caorlina: A working boat with an unchanged original design, used for transporting fresh produce from the islands to the city market. It features a symmetrical stern and bow, with the bow extended and without a mast. 

Gondolino: Created exclusively for the Historic Regatta, this boat is a lighter and swifter version of the gondola, from which it derives its shape. 

A standout feature of these boats is their vibrant colors, which add to the regatta’s picturesque appeal. In 1843, it was decided to paint the racing boats for the first time. While colors have varied over the years, since the 1892 regatta, the palette has remained the same: white, brown, pink, light blue, green, purple, canary yellow, red, and orange. 

Voga alla Veneta 

Venetian rowing (Voga alla Veneta) is a distinctive technique developed in the lagoon area, where a single rower standing and using one or two oars can propel the boat forward. Rowing while standing allowed rowers to see clearly in shallow lagoon waters and navigate the narrow canals. This technique was refined to the point where rowers could maneuver without a rudder. 
 

This form of rowing engages not only the arms and legs but also the ankles and torso, making it a highly comprehensive workout. It’s deeply connected to the local culture and requires a strong understanding of the lagoon environment – knowing the currents, tidal changes, and wind patterns all demand a close relationship with nature. 

The Tradition in Cavallino-Treporti 

In Cavallino-Treporti, the tradition of rowing is alive and well, represented by the Remiera di Cavallino, a society founded in 1998 with 120 members ranging from 10 to 80 years old. Located in a picturesque spot along the Marinona Route and facing the Pordelio Canal, the club is easily accessible via a scenic elevated bike path over the lagoon. The association has two main sections: Venetian rowing and canoeing, catering to both enthusiasts and professionals. While many members enjoy the sport for recreation, others compete in races and championships, achieving impressive results and personal satisfaction. 

Historically, the people of Cavallino-Treporti have excelled in major regattas, including the Historic Regatta. In the 1950s and 60s, locals often won races, thanks to their training from transporting vegetables to the Rialto market in Venice. The passion and participation in the sport are as strong today as ever. 

This year’s Historic Regatta is set for Sunday, September 1st. It’s a fantastic opportunity to dive into this age-old lagoon tradition and cheer on our talented rowers from Cavallino-Treporti!