The countdown has begun: Amalfi is ready to take part in the 71st edition of the Historical Regatta of the Ancient
Maritime Republics, one of the most eagerly anticipated and symbolic events in Italian maritime tradition.
On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, on the waters of the Arno, the blue galleon will once again take on Genoa, Venice, and Pisa in a competition that combines sports, history, and cultural identity. A one-of-a-kind event that brings the glorious past of the four Maritime Republics to life through an exciting blend of historical reenactment and competition.
The Challenge on the Arno
The four galleons will race along a 2,000-meter course between the bridge over the Aurelia River and Scalo Renaioli, with the race scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m.
Vincenzo di Palma will lead the Amalfi crew; as of this year, he is the coach and helmsman of the blue galleon. He is joined by a coaching staff consisting of Giuseppe Ingenito, Domenico Carbone, Michele Abbagnara, Michele De Riso, Daniele Ruocco, Roberto Cretella, and Carlo Bottone.
The men’s crew will consist of Alfonso Scalzone (stroke), Nunzio Di Colandrea, Vincenzo Abbagnale, Giovanni Abagnale, Salvatore Monfrecola, Giovanni Ruocco, Luigi Lucibello, and Luigi Proto, with Aniello Sabbatino and Giovanni Bottone as reserves.
There’s also room for all-female crews
Significant attention will also be given to the women’s race, which will officially kick off the event at 3:15 p.m. The athletes will compete over a distance of 1,000 meters, from Ponte Solferino to Scalo Renaioli.
Representing Amalfi will be Giulia Landolfi, Cristina Annella, Gaia Colasante, Gioconda Iannicelli, Angelina Iannicelli, Silvia Ingenito, Carolina Foresti, Lisa Marie Franzese, and Desirée Castro, with Alessandra Faella serving as helmswoman.
The Charm of the Historical Parade
As is tradition, the Regatta will be preceded by the famous historical parade of the Ancient Maritime Republics, one of the most evocative moments of the entire event.
Nearly three hundred participants will parade along the Lungarni of Pisa, bringing to life the characters, costumes, and atmosphere of the medieval past of the four maritime cities. Genoa, the winner of the last edition, will open the parade, followed by Amalfi, Venice, and Pisa.
A sight of extraordinary beauty.
Side Events and Tradition
The Regatta program will kick off on Monday,June 1,with the historical lecture“Pisa and Amalfi: A Millennium-Long Friendship,”scheduled to take place at the Giardino Scotto. An event dedicated to cultural exploration and the historical ties between the two cities.
This will be followed by the official presentation of the women’s and men’s crews from the four Maritime Republics and, in the evening, the concert“Jazz Routes for the Ancient Maritime Republics.”
To celebrate the 71st edition, Poste Italiane will also issue a special postmark dedicated to the event’s commemorative postcards.
Amalfi: History, Pride, and a Sense of Belonging
The Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics is not just a sporting competition. It is a symbol of belonging, memory, and identity that continues to unite different generations around Amalfi’s maritime history.
Every stroke of the oar speaks to the deep bond between the city and the sea. Each edition renews a tradition that continues to thrill residents and visitors from all over the world.
Once again this year, the blue galleon will carry the pride of an entire community, ready to write a new chapter in its history on the waters of the Arno.
