Ciao! I'm Laura.
  • Journal
  • About
  • Writing
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Journal
  • Books
  • Podcast
  • About
    • Writing
  • Contact

Ciao Amalfi

HISTORY & CULTURE, TRAVEL · June 13, 2011

2011 Regatta in Venice Annulled

Regatta Results 2011

I wish it was with happier news that I was writing this morning about the results of the 56th Regata Storica delle Reppubliche Marinare that took place in Venice yesterday. No, I’m not sad that Amalfi didn’t win, or came in a close second like they did in 2009 and 2010. I’m disappointed to have to report that everyone lost yesterday, in what will likely be remembered as one of the worst regattas in the fifty-six year history of this event.

As the race was run, and by all accounts in Venice, the Amalfi team won. The team had a fantastic race, managing to pull ahead of the favored team Pisa to win by a photo finish. Surprisingly just like how Pisa won last year. Unfortunately, there were problems with the course that were contested, and problems with the Pisa team being remarkably poor losers. (They should have taken a lesson from the Amalfi team that lost by a similarly small margin last year, but in a much more respectable way.) But the more serious problems were the issues with the course. Even though Amalfi was announced the winner, it wasn’t long before not only Amalfi’s win but also the positions of the successive Pisa and Genoa teams were contested. Apparently, it was said by the Venice team that came in last, that they were the only ones that stayed on course and that the other teams should be disqualified. And that is exactly what happened. After nearly two hours of tension, meetings with the judges and the mayors of Amalfi, Pisa, Genoa and Venice, it was decided that the only result that could not be contested was just to annul the regatta. What a shame. I don’t understand in detail yet just what happened with the course or the buoys or the judging, but it seems like that is where the real problems are. My hope is that something positive can come of this in taking better steps to organize the event. And I also hope that a shadow won’t be cast over this event, which is supposed to represent the high points in the history of each of the four great sea republics of Italy.

The online newspaper Il Foglio Costa d’Amalfi has covered the event in great detail, and published an article this morning focused on who really won and who lost at this year’s regatta. (It’s in Italian, but there are videos at the end from the RAI 2 TV coverage.) They expressed disappointment that this type of debaucle had to mark the year that Italy celebrates its 150th anniversary. It is disappointing. But what is the most disappointing to me is that the all teams have to walk away from the regatta with such a bad experience, after a year of very hard work. I am sad for the Amalfi team that has been practicing so hard all winter and spring and had an excellent race yesterday.

The Regata Storica delle Reppubliche Marinare is in Amalfi next year, but I’m afraid that the bitter feeling left from this year’s regatta in Venice will likely hang over the event for many years to come.

Posted In: HISTORY & CULTURE, TRAVEL · Tagged: Amalfi, Boats, Italy, Regatta, Venice, What’s On

You’ll Also Love

Steinbeck’s Salty Turkey and Thanksgiving in Amalfi
William Kentridge’s “More Sweetly Play the Dance” at the Arsenal of Amalfi
Connoisseurs of Blue

Comments

  1. Gil says

    June 13, 2011 at 09:28

    All I can say that this is a poor way to treat the competitors! If there was a problem with the course the winner should be the winner. That is unless they run the whole race over with a proper course! Sad-Sad-Sad

    Reply
    • Laura says

      June 13, 2011 at 09:40

      Ciao Gil! I agree completely. I think that is why it’s especially a sad day for the Amalfi team who really did an amazing job. All I hope is that the town of Amalfi pulls it together and puts on a MUCH better organized regatta next year!!

      Reply
  2. saretta says

    June 13, 2011 at 12:18

    Oh, what a bother! Seems sort of unsportsmanlike!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      June 26, 2011 at 11:42

      Ciao Saretta! Sounds like there were a lot of mistakes made, also by the Amalfi team. It probably was the fairest option given the mess!

      Reply
  3. Welshcakes Limoncello says

    June 13, 2011 at 23:17

    Oh, what a disappointment!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      June 26, 2011 at 11:41

      So true, Pat!

      Reply
  4. Sandra says

    June 14, 2011 at 13:45

    Hi Laura! We read about this in the daily Telegraph – big article. Shame about the result hoefully it will be better next year and we’ll be in Atrani to watch.
    May see you in July.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      June 26, 2011 at 11:41

      Ciao Sandra! That’s great the regatta was covered in the Telegraph … just wish it was better news. See you in July! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Gil says

    June 15, 2011 at 10:03

    Laura, From an old Brooklyn Dodgers fan and now NY Mets fan – “wait until next year”!!!!!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      June 26, 2011 at 11:40

      That’s so true, Gil! Thanks for the laugh! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Dee says

    June 16, 2011 at 20:10

    I’m having trouble finding any information on next year’s Regatta in Amalfi. Would like to get confirmation of the date before we book. Any info. or links would be appreciated. Many thanks.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      June 26, 2011 at 11:39

      Ciao Dee, Thanks for stopping by and for your comment. Usually, the regatta takes place the first weekend of June. However, this year it took place on the second weekend in Venice, which I think happened because of special events taking place the first weekend for the 150th anniversary of Italy. I haven’t read anywhere that the date has been set for sure, but it will likely be on Sunday, June 3rd, 2012. But that is certainly subject to change!!

      Reply
  7. Jim says

    June 17, 2011 at 00:35

    I enjoyed the pagentry of the parade and seeing the finish but it is a shame to nullify the race. I am glad Amalfi got a chance to celebrate at the finish, though. It was still a great day to be part of.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      June 26, 2011 at 11:33

      Ciao Jim! Sounds like you were in Venice for the race? That would be amazing! Yes, I’m sorry things ended up as they did, and I hope it will be much better next year in Amalfi!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

Photo Friday: Positano Bougainvillea

Trending Now

  • ciao-amalfi-winter-things-to-do Visiting the Amalfi Coast in the Winter – 5 Things You Need to Know
  • Amalfi Coast Webcams New Live Streaming Webcams of Amalfi!
  • Amalfi Coast Travel Positano Beach Spiagga Grande A Guide to the Beaches of Positano
  • Amalfi Coast Beaches Colourful Sun Umbrellas at the Marina Grande Beach in Amalfi - Horizontal A Guide to the Beaches of Amalfi

Ciao!

My name is Laura and the Amalfi Coast is my passion and my home. I’m a writer and photographer who is endlessly inspired by the incredible beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Welcome to Ciao Amalfi!

Ciao Amalfi

  • Journal
  • Moon Amalfi Coast
  • Newsletter
  • Contact

Amalfi Coast

  • Amalfi
  • Positano
  • Ravello
  • Amalfi Coast

Explore

  • Travel
  • History & Culture
  • Food & Drink
  • Shopping

Laura Thayer

  • About
  • Writing
  • Book Reviews
  • Work with Me

Latest on Instagram

The 66th Regata delle Antiche Repubbliche Marinare The 66th Regata delle Antiche Repubbliche Marinare is here! This weekend is full of exciting events as the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics returns to Amalfi after 6 years. This event sees teams from Amalfi, Pisa, Genoa, and Venice compete in a boat race in historic galleons as well as a historic parade. Stay tuned for photos and videos from the parade today and the boat race tomorrow. Forza Amalfi! 💙

#amalfi #amalficoast #ciaoamalfi #visitamalfi #italyhistory #italytravel
Last month I did a mini staycation in Positano and Last month I did a mini staycation in Positano and I loved it! Even though it’s just down the coast from Amalfi, I enjoyed the quiet of the early morning and breakfast with those famous Positano views. And a relaxed dinner without a long (and twisty!) drive home. This view from above Arienzo beach is one of my favorites of Positano.

#positano #amalficoast #positanoitaly #amalficoastitaly #costieraamalfitana #italytravel #positanoview #arienzo #amalficoastview #ciaoamalfi
That this place is just down the coastline is stil That this place is just down the coastline is still a marvel to me. Yesterday morning the colors in Positano were brilliant. 💙

#Positano #AmalfiCoast #ciaoamalfi #amalficoastitaly #positanoitaly #amalficoastbeaches #positanobeach #positanoview #positanoamalficoast #expatlife #italyexpat #italyexpatlife #italytravel #italyiloveyou
You know that feeling when you’re walking around You know that feeling when you’re walking around with something weighing on your mind? I didn’t even realize that’s what I’ve been doing until I had a follow up exam yesterday and got the all clear. At the same office in Amalfi where this whole journey with breast cancer began last June. I took a different sort of walk afterwards and that cloud over Amalfi made me laugh a bit. All clear! Float away little cloud of worry that has been following me around. Vattene! 🌬
After Flavio Gioia, the next natural stop for the After Flavio Gioia, the next natural stop for the #AmalfiCoastCompass series is the Arsenale, where the galleys and ships were built and repaired during the Republic of Amalfi. Just a few steps from Piazza Flavio Gioia, the Arsenale is the only medieval shipyard in Italy to have survived intact. Dating back to the 11th century, its two long aisles with stone cross vaults and pointed arches creates an evocative space.

Today the beautifully restored Arsenale is the setting for art exhibitions and cultural events. Yesterday was the opening for Kerameikos (April 8 - May 10, 2022), an exhibition of contemporary Vietri ceramic arts curated by professor and art critic Massimo Bignardi and organized by @agarte_fucinadellearti. The show brings together 160 works by four master ceramicists from the Amalfi Coast: Salvatore Autuori, Vincenzo Caruso, Giuseppe Di Muro, and Ferdinando Vassallo.

Take a look through the photos to see a glimpse of the exhibit. Second photo: I loved the bright colors and geometric shapes of Salvatore Autuori's work. Third photo: beautiful historical elements in pieces by Giuseppe Di Muro. Fourth photo: look closely at the textures from nature in Ferdinando Vassallo's ceramic series. Fifth photo: the mix of colors in this vase by Enzo Caruso was stunning in person.

The exhibit is free to visit and is open from 10am-1pm/ 4pm-4pm Wednesday to Sunday. For more information check out www.arsenalediamalfi.it.
It’s already back to rainy in Amalfi, but yester It’s already back to rainy in Amalfi, but yesterday was something splendid when the sun came out. Colors quite like this don’t come along with the storms. I’ll take it all!
One of the first things I noticed about the Amalfi One of the first things I noticed about the Amalfi Coast was that I had a lot of questions. It was unlike any place I had ever been. Just over 15 years later, I still have plenty of questions and am constantly seeing new things. This place really has taught me to slow down and look closer.

With that spirit, I’m starting a new series called #AmalfiCoastCompass where I’ll show you places you might have missed, things you might have wondered about, and ideas for your next trip to the Amalfi Coast.

There’s no better place to start the Compass Series than with this statue in Amalfi. Have you noticed it before in the middle of Piazza Flavio Gioia? It’s a statue of Flavio Gioia, a figure from the 13th century credited with inventing the compass for sailing. He stands holding a bussola, or compass, gazing intently downward at the instrument in his left hand while his right points forward. 

While the existence of this particular mariner is questionable, what is sure is that Amalfi was Italy’s first maritime republic and its sailors not only crisscrossed the Mediterranean and traveled as far east as Constantinople but also created maritime codes that were used for centuries. So while the exact creator or individuals behind the perfection of the compass for navigational use will likely never be known, the statue represents Amalfi’s contribution to travel as we know it today. 

This statue was created by Alfonso Balzico, an Italian sculptor born in 1825 in Cava de' Tirreni - not far from Vietri sul Mare on the Amalfi Coast. He studied in Naples and created many important statues around Italy. His statue of Flavio Gioia was created in 1892 and won a gold medal at the 1900 World Exposition in Paris. (Flavio Gioia was still getting around the world!) It was on display in Rome after Balzico's death in 1901 until the city of Amalfi acquired the statue and it was placed in Piazza Flavio Gioia in 1926. It’s been moved a couple of times (at least) but now it’s located in the center of the traffic circle surrounded by a fountain and little landscaped garden. And one last little curiosity: the statue of Flavio Gioia is oriented facing north.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Disclosure

Copyright © 2022 Ciao Amalfi · Theme by 17th Avenue