We were fortunate to be in Pisa on the second of June for the 54th running of the Regatta of the Maritime Republics, pitting home team Pisa against Genoa, Venice and Amalfi. Pisa's boat won.
The boats are called "gozzi" and are rowed by by 8 rowers; a helmsman spurs them on.
In the 40s, pisan Mirro Chiaverini got the idea to create a contest to keep the legends of the powerful maritime republics alive. Eventually, the cities agreed to a contest. The first Regatta was run in Pisa on July 1st, 1956, according to the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics.
A procession of costumed representatives from each of the republics takes place about two hours before the race. The race started exactly on time, a fact which amazed us.
On this day Pisa would emerge victorious by leading from the start. Amalfi came in second.
Enjoy our regatta pictures. Click each thumbnail picture to see it full size.
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