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.
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
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!!
Oh, what a bother! Seems sort of unsportsmanlike!
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!
Oh, what a disappointment!
So true, Pat!
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.
Ciao Sandra! That’s great the regatta was covered in the Telegraph … just wish it was better news. See you in July! 🙂
Laura, From an old Brooklyn Dodgers fan and now NY Mets fan – “wait until next year”!!!!!
That’s so true, Gil! Thanks for the laugh! 🙂
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.
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!!
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.
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!