The Historic Regatta has once again captivated Venice, reaffirming its status as the signature event of the lagoon city and the most anticipated moment of the year for the Venetian community and all enthusiasts of Venetian rowing, drawing thousands of spectators to the banks of the Grand Canal.
The various category races were preceded by a historical procession reenacting the welcome given to Caterina Cornaro, the bride of the King of Cyprus who renounced her throne in favor of Venice. More than 130 historic boats, ceremonial *bissone*, costumed figures, and the “Serenissima” barge opened the event. They were followed by a sporting procession featuring over 60 boats from local rowing associations and approximately 400 rowers.
Notable participants included a *caorlina* from the “Serenissima” Lagunari Regiment with military personnel in uniform and a coxswain in the historical dress of the traditional “fanti da mar” of the Serenissima Republic. Also featured were the traditional “Lucie”—boats from Lake Como with standing rowers and wooden arches—as well as crews from the Voga Veneta Nettuno club in Rome, and representatives from the Reyer basketball and Venezia FC football clubs.
Five official races were held for junior boys and girls, women, men, and *caorline* six-oared boats. The course ran from the St. Mark’s Basin to the “paleto” turning point and back to the “Machina” judges’ stand in front of Ca’ Foscari. The coveted red flag for winners in the premier two-oared *gondolini* category was claimed by the blue crew of Andrea Ortica and Jacopo Colombi. Other winners included Silvia Bon and Debora Scarpa in the women’s two-oared *mascarete*; Alvise Redolfi Tezzat and Riccardo Vorano in the junior *pupparini*; Alice Sarto and Giulia Spolaor in the junior girls’ category; and the orange *caorline* crew of Roberto Busetto, Simone Vecchiato, Matteo Pecoraro, Renato Busetto, Riccardo Caenazzo, and Filippo Vianello. This year also featured races for the youngest categories, “Maciarele” and “Schie.” Finally, the university challenge on historical galleons was won by the University of Pisa.
The historical procession also featured a tribute to Alberto Trentini, the Venetian aid worker detained in Venezuela, and to the war in Ukraine, symbolized by the participation of a boat from Odesa.