The Venetian-style rowing continues to live in the rowing season but its peak is the famous Historical Regatta. On the first Sunday of September, the spectacular race takes place in the Grand Canal. The event opens with the historical procession of splendid festive boats with hundreds of figures re-evoking the triumphal welcome accorded by the Serenissima to the Queen of Cyprus, Caterina Cornaro, who, in 1489, had “donated” her kingdom to Venice. This year the dragon boats, in Venice for their championships, participate in the parade of boats in the Grand Canal
Then the races start, preceded by the regatta of children on two-oared mascarete, followed by the race for the Very Young on twin-oared pupparini, then by male crews on 6-oared caorline. Then it’s up to the International Universities Boat Challenge on eight-oared galleons by the crew of Ca’ Foscari and Iuav Universities, the University of Padua, the University of Vienna, and the University of Warwick. Then women’s race on two-oared mascarete, and the high spot of the event sees the famous rowing champions compete on gondolini.
FROM “DeTourism”