From September 6th to 15th, Genoa will be the global hub for coastal rowing, hosting two internationally significant events: the World Rowing Coastal Championships dedicated to endurance and beach sprint, both included in the Genoa European Capital of Sport 2024 program.
The Ligurian city will host the endurance World Championships for clubs during the first weekend, followed by the beach sprint World Championships in the second weekend—a discipline that will be included in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic program. This event will see one crew per nation competing in each specialty, marking the official Olympic debut for this discipline.
To further demonstrate Genoa’s deep connection to the sea, the 69th edition of the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics will take place on October 13th in Pra’, a district of Genoa. The Ligurian capital, which currently holds the title with its White Galleon, will host a day enriched by the traditional historical parade of the four Maritime Republics – Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa, and Venice. culminating in races for both women’s and men’s crews.
The Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics, established in 1955, is a sporting event inspired by a historical re-enactment aimed at celebrating the achievements and rivalries of the most famous Italian Maritime Republics: Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa, and Venice. Each year, under the high patronage of the President of the Italian Republic, the event takes place in rotation among these four cities, offering a unique spectacle that combines sport, history, and tradition.
The idea for an event commemorating the events of the four medieval maritime powers emerged in the late 1940s. The project, initiated by the Pisan knight Mirro Chiaverini, gained the support of the other involved cities, thanks to the intervention of lawyer Francesco Amodio, then mayor of Amalfi. After numerous meetings and discussions, an agreement was reached, leading to the creation of the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics, an event that has since become a regular occasion to celebrate the glorious maritime past of these Italian cities.
This regatta, rich in sporting, historical, and traditional significance, enhances and enriches the sporting spirit of a city that is preparing to become the world capital of rowing.