Coppa del Presidente della Repubblica – Regata Vela al Terzo
The regatta of traditional Venetian boats with the vela al terzo rig in the St. Mark's Basin
About Coppa del Presidente
The regata of the vela al terzo
The Coppa del Presidente della Repubblica is the symbolic regatta of vela al terzo, the ancient sailing technique of the traditional boats of the Venice lagoon. Every September, the historic boats gather in the St. Mark's Basin, the stretch of water in front of the Doge's Palace, for a competition that is both a sporting challenge and a celebration of Venetian maritime culture.
A unique setting in the world
The colourful vela al terzo sails crossing the St. Mark's Basin, with the bell tower, the Basilica and the Doge's Palace in the background, create one of the most spectacular images of the lagoon tradition. The regatta draws enthusiasts and onlookers to the banks, for a day of celebration dedicated to the sea and historic boats.
A tradition to preserve
The event is organised by the Associazione Vela al Terzo Venezia, which brings together an extraordinary fleet of over 150 active traditional boats. The Cup, a prestigious silver cup donated by former President Ciampi, links the event to the highest institution of the State and underlines its cultural value.
Venice and rowing
Promoted in Venice (VE), in Veneto, the regatta helps to pass down the art of rowing and sailing typical of the lagoon, an intangible heritage that is part of the city's very identity.
Coppa del Presidente — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Coppa del Presidente della Repubblica, scheduled for Sunday, September 13, in the St. Mark's Basin, has a special meaning: the traditional vela al terzo boats are paired with articles of the Italian Constitution, displayed visibly under the boom next to the sail number.
The 25th edition features 139 boats, a symbolic number recalling the 139 articles of the Constitution. The prestigious silver cup donated by former President of the Republic Carlo Azeglio Ciampi is up for grabs. The organisers of the Associazione Vela al Terzo Venezia have worked to give maximum prestige to the event, in contact with the Quirinale for the possible presence of President Mattarella.
Programme Coppa del Presidente 2026
Sunday, September 13, 2026 — St. Mark's Basin
- Vela al terzo regatta with traditional Venetian boats
- 25th edition with 139 boats, a number recalling the 139 articles of the Constitution
- Each boat displays an article of the Italian Constitution under the boom
- The silver cup donated by former President Ciampi is up for grabs
- Award ceremony and closing ceremony
Free event, visible from the banks of the St. Mark's Basin. Info at velaalterzo.com.
Highlights Coppa del Presidente 2026
Prices Coppa del Presidente 2026
Practical information — Coppa del Presidente
How to get there
Venice is reachable by train to Santa Lucia station, by car to Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto, or by plane from Marco Polo Airport. The regatta can be watched from the banks of the St. Mark's Basin, from Riva degli Schiavoni and Punta della Dogana.
Where and when
St. Mark's Basin, Venice (VE), in September.
Admission
Free event, visible from the banks. Info at velaalterzo.com.
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Where does it take place — Coppa del Presidente
Bacino di San Marco
Bacino di San Marco, 30124 Venezia