Vogalonga Down Unda

When: October 4, 2020

Location: Goolwa River Murray and Hindmarsh Island

Sunday 4 October 2020 Goolwa, South Australia - hopefully rescheduled to this new date Row or paddle at your own pace in the first Australian version of the famous Vogalonga rowing event held annually in Venice since 1974.

Every year Venice, Italy hosts a non-competitive rowing regatta called the Vogalonga. 2019 was its 45th edition. Only human-powered watercraft participate in the event. A typical Vogalonga fleet includes scores of local Venetian boats of which there are many types (not just gondolas). These are joined by people from all over Europe rowing sculls, kayaks, canoes, dragon boats, stand-up-paddle boards, English skiffs, Irish currachs and a whole lot more. Even crews from Australia and New Zealand head to Venice to participate in this event.

Modelled on this famous annual event in Venice, Goolwa will soon host its inaugural Vogalonga Down Unda on 26 April 2020. And as a way of forging a tangible connection with and giving a salute to Venice itself, a traditional Venetian two-person sandolo will be built by a group of local volunteers to lead the fleet during our local event. Hopefully, this boat will be the first of many boats rowed Venetian-style in our Australian event in future years.

The Vogalonga Down Unda is organized by a local Working Group under the auspices of Cittaslow Goolwa Inc. The Working Group is comprised of members of Cittaslow Goolwa, the Goolwa Aquatic Club, Coorong Quays and Canoe the Coorong.

Main Course - 12.5 kms

Travelling from the Goolwa Aquatic Club heading east along the Goolwa Channel shoreline past the Hindmarsh Island bridge, winding through the wetlands of the Currency Creek marine reserve and returning to the GAC.

Short Course - From 5km up to 8 kms

Departing from the Goolwa Aquatic Club, travel through the safe & protected waters of the Coorong Quays marina on Hindmarsh Island and back again. Ideal for families with young children.

More information and Registration - https://vogalongadownunda.net.au/