Another question re:Venice! Has anyone viewed the Regatta Storica?

Hi, we went to the Venice Regatta several years ago. We just picked a spot along the canal to sit and watch the boat races & festivities. There were also reserved seats in stadium type seats on the opposite side of the canal from us.

If you like photography, it’s a great event because of the large carved traditional boats, besides the other sets of races, etc.

We were staying in Padova during that weekend, so we left a little early since it was a traffic jam of boats on the water as we were leaving.

Several years ago we arrived on the day of a big boat event. I think it was dragon boat races, but I'm not positive. At any rate, we had to walk all the way from P. Roma to our hotel in the Rialto Bridge area because the Grand Canal was closed to regular traffic. So be prepared to walk everywhere most of the day. Which is really a great thing to do anyway. For viewing, we found a small plaza place close to the Rialto Bridge and watched from there. We had plenty of viewing room and chances to take picturs.

After I booked my trip, I was delighted to learn that the Regatta is during my stay in Venice. Something different, interesting and totally unexpected.

Here's what my B&B hosts said about watching:
Regatta Storica
Yes it is nice to see, we know there are small stands at the finish line but they are usually for VIPs. If we hear about ticket sales we can forward it to you but even we have never had a chance to go to the stands. Because the race is long, due to all the different categories, it is better to stop at different points where one is near the waters edge. We can show you on the map when you are here. Also, that vast majority of visitors to Venice will have no idea about the race, this is probably why there isn't huge publicity or information. There might be some other more up close things you can do, in the days leading up, they gondolas and gondoliers do go to Santa Maria della Salute for a blessing, in that case you could be right there if you are interested in seeing things up close. Their site isn't updated yet as it is way to early and still many other races to be done before this one.

Thanks for the tips. This sounds like something we'd like to view. Perhaps I can find the website--we'd love to see the blessing of the boats.