Historical Regatta

The first evidence of its existence is a painting of Jacopo de’ Barbari: Veduta di Venezia (1500). The event was encouraged by the Government as a training for the people who had to go to war. At that time (as also now) the best athletes were those who works with boats and spent most of their time rowing, as the Gondoliers.
When Venice loosed the war against Napoleon, this event (as well as all the other public manifestations and feasts) was suppressed. It has been reintroduced only in 1841, during the Austrian domain.
The name “Storica” has been used starting from the 1899.

This year the Regata will be the 6th September 2009.

Regata Storica is a picturesque  parade of historical boats (including Bucintoro, Doge’s Boat) and of some competitions. Both parade and competition will take part on the Grand Canal!!!
This procession recall the one of 1489, to honour the visit of Caterina Cornaro (Queen of Cipro).

The competition is the moment that every venetian wait for an year!!! Everyone is there to support their champions through the whole journey. At the moment the competitions are 4, divided in category (age and boat models): the most important is the Regatta of Campionissimi on the Gondolini (small gondola), whose finish line is in front of the  “Machina”, the floating stage of the celebrities in front of Ca’ Foscari.

Venetians and tourists can take part of this big event from the  sides of the Grand Canal and from the moored boats.

For any other information you can visit the official website of the event www.regatastorica.com .