The cannon blast echoes across the lagoon at 9 AM sharp, and suddenly 7,000 colorful boats explode into motion. This isn't your grandmother's gondola ride - the Vogalonga 2024 marks 50 years of Venice's anti-motorboat rebellion, where the city's waterways once again belong to oars, sweat, and blister-inducing determination.
Why This Year's Different
- The Golden Regatta - Special categories for boats older than the event itself (looking at you, 1974 pupparin crews)
- Celebrity Cameos - Rumor has it Brad Pitt's Venetian rowing instructor is entering a black-and-gold mascareta
- The "No Splash" Challenge - Traditionalists compete to complete the 32km route without losing their stripey gondolier shirts to lagoon spray
How to Join the Madness
- Rent a Batela - The widest, most stable traditional boat (€200/day at Squeri di San Trovaso)
- Master the Voga Veneta - This standing rowing style burns 800 calories/hour (try Row Venice's crash course)
- Fuel Like a Local - Risi e bisi (pea risotto) at Osteria da Fiore pre-race, grappa-soaked raisins post-race
PrestigeFly's Oar-some Package
For US visitors, PrestigeFly offers:
- Business class flights with free oar transport
- Private training with ex-gondola racing champions
- A "Dry Finish" Guarantee - Reserved seating at Harry's Bar where they'll hose you down with Bellinis if you fail the splash challenge
