VCE:
Vogalonga - Venice's Rebel Rowing Spectacle Turns 50

The cannon blast echoes across the lagoon at 9 AM sharp, and suddenly 7,000 colorful boats explode into motion. This isn't your grandmother's gondola ride - the Vogalonga 2024 marks 50 years of Venice's anti-motorboat rebellion, where the city's waterways once again belong to oars, sweat, and blister-inducing determination.

Why This Year's Different

• The Golden Regatta - Special categories for boats older than the event itself (looking at you, 1974 pupparin crews)
• Celebrity Cameos - Rumor has it Brad Pitt's Venetian rowing instructor is entering a black-and-gold mascareta
• The "No Splash" Challenge - Traditionalists compete to complete the 32km route without losing their stripey gondolier shirts to lagoon spray

How to Join the Madness

1. Rent a Batela - The widest, most stable traditional boat (€200/day at Squeri di San Trovaso)
2. Master the Voga Veneta - This standing rowing style burns 800 calories/hour (try Row Venice's crash course)
3. Fuel Like a Local - Risi e bisi (pea risotto) at Osteria da Fiore pre-race, grappa-soaked raisins post-race

PrestigeFly's Oar-some Package

For US visitors, PrestigeFly offers:

• Business class flights with free oar transport
• Private training with ex-gondola racing champions
• A "Dry Finish" Guarantee - Reserved seating at Harry's Bar where they'll hose you down with Bellinis if you fail the splash challenge