THE REGATTA OF THE ANCIENT MARITIME REPUBLICS

The boats participating in the Regatta are 15 meters long and 1.70 meters wide and each houses a crew of 8 rowers plus a coxswain. Once built of wood, today the boats are made of fiberglass and are distinguished by their colors and symbols, which are different for each Republic: red with an Eagle for Pisa, white with a Dragon for Genoa, green with a Winged Lion for Venice, and blue with a Winged Horse for Amalfi. The figureheads (i.e., the carvings inserted on the prow that cross the finish line) are also different for each city: for Amalfi it is the tip of the front hoof of the winged horse, for Genoa the tip of the griffon's nostrils, for Pisa the end of the eagle's talons, and for Venice half of the sword wielded by the winged lion.
The event is spread over three days, the last of which includes the competition between the Galleons, but in addition to the actual race, there are many other entertainments: an opening concert, the presentation of the crews and the historical parade.
The latter is a really interesting reenactment moment: thanks to the parade of about 300 figures dressed in period costumes, it is indeed possible to fully relive the glorious past of the participating cities. All the characters who were part of the republics are represented, recreating a truly evocative moment.

 The program for the 70th Regatta of the Maritime Republics has finally been published!

The opening will be held on the 15th in the charming location of the Old Arsenal of the Republic, at 10:30 a.m., with an exhibition dedicated to the commemorative posters of all 70 editions.
On Friday 16, also at the Arsenal, there will be a conference on the theme of the Regatta and in the evening a concert by “Frankie and Canthina Band” at 10 p.m. in Piazza Duomo.
The weekend of racing will open on Saturday, May 17, at 5:45 p.m. with the women's crews' palio, which will compete along a stretch of sea between Marmorata and Atrani. This year, there will also be an exceptional guest to greet the four crews: the wonderful training ship “Vespucci” will pass through the gulf!
After the awarding of prizes to the women's crews, it will be the turn of the great Historical Procession of the Ancient Maritime Republics, which at 7:30 p.m. will begin to parade along the SS163, starting from Atrani and arriving at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Amalfi. The evening will end with a fireworks display at 11:45 pm.

Sunday, May 18, however, is the turn of the Men's Regatta. The start is scheduled at 12:30 p.m. from Capo di Vettica, while the finish line will be placed in Marina Grande. The award ceremony will take place at Piazzale Flavio Gioia at 1:15 pm.

Finally, the event is one of the most anticipated of the year on the Amalfi Coast, and for this reason also one of the most crowded. If you want to take part in it but don't want to stress about parking, you can always reach Amalfi with the very comfortable Travelmar ferries! For the occasion, ferry schedules for May 18 have been changed (you can view them here) and a special departure from Amalfi to Minori, Cetara and Salerno at 00:15 has been added for the nights of May 16 and 17! 
Click here to buy your ticket: it's easy, fast and most importantly stress-free!