Vogalonga

Vogalonga is a non-competitive regatta held in the Italian city of Venice. The idea for this tradition was born on the Saint Martin's Day in 1974. Groups of local rowers, participating in the Mascarete regatta, decided to form an event that would involve both professionals and amateurs sailing in various types of boats. The first Vogalonda was held on the 26 of January, 1975. Each year thousands of people participate in the regatta. In 2013 it is going to be organized on the 19th of May.

The start of Vogalonga is in Saint Mark basin. Before the actual start everybody sings hymns to San Marco (Saint Mark). The route of this regatta is 30 kilometres long. Everyone is having a good time. The finish line is located at the Punta della Dogana, just opposite the Saint Mark’s Square. All participants get a medal and a certificate showing that they were part of Vogalonga. Some randomly chosen individuals get special prizes donated by local organisations.