We will be in Venice for 41st Vogalonga, which looks like great fun!
It looks like viewing can be had from anywhere along the Grand Canal; is there specific places where viewing is more interesting? Perhaps a reviewing stand where participants are judged for creativity or showmanship?
Thanks
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32700 posts
Having unfortunately never been in Venice for this magnificent race, but well aware of it, I can tell you it is a long hard tiring race. When the rowers reach the finish line they will be properly exhausted.
It is an endurance race.
Think triathlon but only rowing (not really rowing but I don't know a better word for it) while standing up the whole time, for a really long distance in possibly choppy water.
Much as triathletes are not judged on creativity or showmanship, it is unlikely that these will be either.
It has always been one of my goals to be there for the Vogalonga or the Festa del Redentore - maybe one year. You are lucky.
Do be aware that the race will play merry hell with the normal boats and transportation.
Posted by
OP
9 posts
Thanks Nigel!
Posted by
Dana Point
1187 posts
We happened to be there in 2013 when the Vogalonga occurred (didn't plan it that way...just got lucky.) We were staying in Dorsoduro, so we watched it from the Accademia Bridge and from Campo San Vio (located between the Accademia Bridge and the Peggy Guggenheim Museum), both crowded--the bridge more than the campo--but very good spots to see the parade of boats. Ask your hotelier about any places they know of close to where you are staying. It is great fun--very festive atmosphere and an incredible number and variety of boats.
As NIgel mentioned, it does disrupt the vaporetti, but you can always walk. Enjoy!
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
906 posts
We have been twice, once in 2002 and again in 2014. I can send pictures if you send email.
I suggest seeing the start from San Marco. They tow a barge out into the Grand Canal and start from there. You get to see many of the boats prepare themselves for the race. Sometimes quite funny things happen. We went out onto the gondola piers to watch.
Also, I agree that Ponte dell'Accademia is a good location. Crowded yes, but it doesn't take long to get a good place at the railing. We watch a lot of boats from here and saw a couple of wrecks, which were interesting. At the race's end the boats come back up the canal while others are going down. Quite a traffic jam at times.
Enjoy it, we sure did.