Unipd joins the Vogalonga in a caorlina for the first time

06.06.2025

For the first time in the history of the Vogalonga, a crew from the University of Padua will take to the starting line in a caorlina—a traditional six-oar Venetian lagoon boat. The crew, rowing in the Venetian style during the 49th edition of the famous rowing marathon in Venice (taking place on Sunday, June 8), includes Alberto Bortolan (DICEA), Sebastiano Lombardo (DII), Samuele Rinaldin (DAFNAE), Marco Maschietto (DISSL), Alfredo Viggiano (DISSGEA), and Giacomo Zanetti (DII).

The Vogalonga course stretches across the Venetian lagoon, starting in the waters between the island of San Giorgio and the Riva degli Schiavoni. The finish line is located at Punta della Dogana, marking the end of the 32-kilometer route.

The itinerary winds through the lagoon—passing the Lido of Venice on the right at the start, then continuing between the islands of Le Vignole and Sant’Erasmo. It reaches Burano and Mazzorbo before heading toward Murano, entering the city via the Cannaregio Canal. From there, it flows into the Grand Canal, passing under the Rialto and Accademia bridges before coming to an end.

First held in 1975, the Vogalonga began as a collective and heartfelt protest against wave motion damage, the harmful effects of which were already evident at the time. Over the years, the event has taken on an international character, but it has never lost its original spirit as both a festive celebration and a way to connect with and appreciate the extraordinary environment that hosts it.