Vogalonga

Everything you need to know to participate in the 50th Vogalonga

THE RULES

The 50th edition of Vogalonga, a historic recreational and amateur regatta, non-competitive, will take place in the charming Venice Lagoon over a course of about 30 kilometers on May 24, 2026. The event is governed by the rules listed below:

  • Participation

    Registrations for this edition must be completed exclusively online via the official website www.vogalonga.com. Registrations will open approximately two months prior to the event, with the exact date announced on the official website, and will close definitively on May 18, 2026. The Organising Committee reserves the right to close registrations earlier upon reaching the maximum number of participants, set at approximately 8,000 people or 2,000 boats.

    The registration fee is €30.00 per participant and must be paid exclusively by electronic payment according to the methods indicated on the official event website. Registrations completed through the website will only be considered valid if accompanied by proof of payment. Registrations sent by post or fax will not be accepted.

    Any refund requests will be accepted up to 4 days before the event. After this deadline, no refunds will be granted. The refunded amount will be net of any fees applied by the payment system.





Image

Material Retrieval

Registration materials may be collected from May 18 to May 23, between 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., provided that at least 4 days have passed since the registration was completed. On Friday, May 22, and Saturday, May 23, the registration office, located at San Marco 3998, will remain open until 6:00 p.m.

Start Procedure

The start of the 50th Vogalonga is scheduled for 9:00 a.m., marked by the traditional cannon shot. Boats must gather in the Giudecca Canal from 8:30 a.m., following the instructions of the Technical Officials for proper positioning.

Route

The event follows a defined route that passes through iconic locations such as the San Marco Basin, the canals of Murano, and the Rio di Cannaregio, culminating with the finish along the Grand Canal, near Rialto and extending to Punta della Salute.

Arrival

The finish line is located at the end of the Grand Canal, in front of the Basilica della Salute. Medals and certificates of participation will be distributed here. After receiving their awards, boats must promptly clear the area so as not to obstruct the arrival of other participants.

Race Numbers

Race numbers, provided at the time of registration, must be displayed on bibs worn visibly to facilitate checks along the route and identification at the finish.

Awards

As the Vogalonga is a non-competitive event, no rankings will be drawn up. All participants who reach the finish line will receive a certificate and a commemorative medal. In addition, further prizes will be awarded by lottery among participants who have completed the course, depending on the availability of the Committee and sponsors.

Rules and Controls

Crews must avoid crossing the path of other boats, preventing oar overlap and any actions that may cause damage to participants. It is strictly forbidden for boats to deviate from the established route, which will be clearly marked by the Organising Committee. Checkpoints will be set up along the route in Burano and in Rio di Cannaregio. Crews must comply with the regulations in force at the time of the event regarding the number of crew members. Responsibility for compliance with the rules lies with the crew leader.

Behavior and Measures

The moral and sporting conduct of participants is subject to the verification and unquestionable judgment of the Organising Committee from the moment registration applications are submitted. Sanctions will be applied in cases of behaviour deemed inappropriate. Crews and boats displaying advertising slogans or branding will also be excluded from the prize draw. Boats using sweep rowing (with oars) are required to equip themselves with suitable means (paddles) to manoeuvre in narrow passages.

Accidents and Assistance

The Organising Committee declines any responsibility for accidents involving participants or caused by them to persons or property during the event. Crews and boats may rely on assistance services during the event until 3:00 p.m. The Organising Committee reserves the right to make any changes to these regulations should unforeseen circumstances arise. By registering, participants give their consent pursuant to Art. 23 of Italian Legislative Decree no. 196/03 and EU Regulation 2016/679 (“GDPR”) for the use of their personal data and that of other crew members they register. They also declare that they have read and accepted these regulations and that they possess the physical and cognitive abilities required to participate in the event.

Between Venice and the Lagoon: discover the Vogalonga route.

THE ROUTE

The start occurs amid the splendor of the San Marco Basin. Skirting the island of Sant'Elena, it proceeds along the mosaic of islands: Vignole, the garden of Sant'Erasmo, and the quiet San Francesco del Deserto. Soon after, Burano appears with its lively houses, followed by the peaceful Mazzorbo and the monastic island of San Giacomo in Paludo. The regatta continues towards Murano, the world's glass-making capital. Due to construction work on the Murano Long Bridge, the route will be diverted north of the island, passing through a shallow water area. Please exercise extreme caution. The finale winds through the Cannaregio canal and takes place in the Grand Canal, culminating in the historic arrival at Punta della Dogana, in front of the magnificent backdrop of Piazza San Marco.

Image

Ufficio Vogalonga

San Marco, 3998 – tel. +39 389 681 7807


Comitato Organizzatore Vogalonga

San Marco 951 – 30124 Venezia Italia tel. +39 041 5210544 – fax +39 041 5200771 www.vogalonga.com – info@vogalonga.com