Vogalonga 2020, one of the most beloved Venetian sporting events, will take place on May 31, in Venice. Vogalonga is a race of boats rowing around the islands of the lagoon, up to the island of Burano, over a total distance of 30 kilometers. This marathon of non-motorized boats does not have winners, or if you want, winners are all those who participate.
Both a non-competitive boat race and a manifest against motor-powered boats which pollute the lagoon, Vogalonga gathers every year in Venice thousands of participants. Anyone can participate in the race, young and old, locals and people from all over the world, men and women alike.
The first Vogalonga took place on May 8th, 1975, the day of the Festa della Sensa, when the race began in front of the Doge’s Palace, on a signal given by a cannon shot. There were around 500 boats and more than 1500 rowers. 45 years later, around 2,100 boats and over 8,350 rowers.
The start will be around 9.00 am in the St. Mark’s Basin. The boats will sail through the Giudecca Canal and will pass on their way along the islands of Sant’Elena, Vignole, Sant’Erasmo and San Francesco del Deserto. At the middle of the route, the participants will pass by the Burano island and they will return along Mazzorbo, Madonna del Monte and San Giacomo in Paludo. On the island of Murano, the race will continue on the Grand Canal, and then the boats will head to Venice. After entering the city via the Cannaregio Canal, the participants will race across the Grand Canal to the finish line marked by the Punta della Dogana.
Once upon a time, Vogalonga was for the Venetians, now it is an international reference in the fight to support the environment. The goal is to fight the swell, restore Venetian traditions and help to spread attention to the environment and nature.
Website: www.vogalonga.com
Location: Venice lagoon
Schedule: May 31st, 2020 – EVENT POSTPONED
