The Vogalonga is an annual boat race held in Venice, which traces its history back to 1974. The first race was held as a statement against the decline of Venice, and also to protest against the increasing annoyance of motor boat wakes around the lagoon. The race is over a 30km course which starts beside the famous St Mark's Square (in the Bacino di San Marco, St Mark's Basin) before heading around the lagoon to Burano and back to a finish beneath the Rialto bridge. Compared to the Henley Regatta (2km) and the Oxford vs Cambridge boat race (6.8km) this is quite a distance! You can read more about the race at the official Vogalonga website. Entry to the race is open to anyone, with boats of all shapes and sizes from single rower to boats with twenty or more participants. Dragon boats with thumping drums, decorated boats and people wearing colourful costumes all help make the race memorable for spectators too. Regatta might be the more appropriate term as it's not a competitive event, it's more akin to the London Marathon without the international athletes! The race is started by a blast from a cannon, at which point the massed boats, up to 1000, head off across the water. The race finishes at the Rialto bridge, where many of the crews raise their oars in salute to the crowds. Despite not showing in the photos, it was a lovely sunny day for the 31st Vogalonga, and made for a great day just sitting by the Grand Canal watching the boats come in.
