PALIO DELLE REPUBBLICHE
MARINARE (Contest between the maritime republics)
An annual challenge between the four Antique Italian Maritime Republics
(Venice, Genua, Amalfi and Pisa) who take it in turns to organise
the regata.
The last time this contest took place in Venice was in 1999.
The boats - all identical - have eight "vogatori" (rowers)
plus the helmsman, with fixed seats and a minimum weight of 750
kg..
They are made of fiberglass with different colours and figureheads.
The race covers 1,800-2,000 metres and in Venice the finishing line
is opposite Piazzetta S.Marco in the lagoon.
The race starts with a long pageant of over 300 people wearing costumes
of the time, with flags,banners and figurehead horses.
translated by C.Cawthra
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