U.S. Gondola Nationals
We are very excited to be hosting the third ever gondola races in the United States October 25 and 26, 2014. With gondoliers from across America this years event will host the largest field of rowers outside of Venice, Italy.
First run in Providence, Rhode Island, in may of 2012, this years event will feature 7 real gondolas from Venice. American gondolas come from all walks of life are united by their love of gondolas and the Venetian style of rowing.
Gondola races have been held for hundreds of years in Venice. Today, the “Historic Regatta” or “Regatta Storica”, the grand finale of the racing season, is televised across Europe. In Venice, and on the surrounding lagoons, rowing clubs of rowing called “Voga Veneta”.
Saturday, October 25th
9:15 a.m. – Providence gondoliers report, any volunteers and other participants arrive between 0915 and 10a to the Gondola Landing (at 1 Citizens Plaza, Providence, RI 02903)
10:00 a.m. – Opening remarks, “Santa Lucia” and national anthem sung in unison
10:05 a.m. – Single Slalom event begins, course starting and ending at Gondola Landing. Note: If the hourly forecast states that it will be calmer in the middle of the day, the single sprint will be switched with the single slalom
12:00 p.m. – Single Sprint event begins. Race will take place from Crawford Street Bridge to the sculpture on South Water Street across from the Wild Colonial Tavern. (Wild Colonial is located at 250 South Water Street, Providence, RI 02903)
12:15 p.m. – Double Distance event begins, starting at the old 195 foundations along South Water Street, race goes up to Exchange Street and back down to the old 195 foundations, a distance of approximately 1.5 miles
5:30 p.m. – Racing events end for the day
Sunday, October 26th
10:00 a.m. – All gondoliers, volunteers, etc. report to Gondola Landing at 1 Citizens Plaza
10:45 – 11:00 a.m. – Double Sprint event begins, same course as Single Sprint
11:30 a.m. – Single Distance event begins, same course as Double Distance
4:00 p.m. – Events conclude, awards ceremony taking place at Union Station Brewery.
Please call (dock cell 401.644.3418) if you have any questions, and one of the gondoliers should be able to talk you over to where we are having events at that time. Hope to see you all there, and please pass it on – Forza Providence!