Vasto Rowing Palio

A rowing challenge in the sea of Vasto

The Vasto Rowing Palio is one of the most cherished sporting events of the summer in Vasto, in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo. Every year, crews face off aboard ten-oared longboats—the traditional vessels of fixed-seat rowing—in a spectacular regatta held in the waters off the Vasto coast. The competition attracts teams from all over Italy and represents a highlight of the Adriatic maritime calendar.

A round of the FICSF national championship

The Palio is more than just a local festival: it is an official race valid for the national ten-oared longboat championship organized by the FICSF (Italian Fixed-Seat Rowing Federation). Races are held in both men's and women's categories, with multiple heats throughout the day: the qualifying rounds start in the morning, while the final rankings and the awards ceremony take place in the afternoon. Among the leading crews is La Ciurma di Vasto, the local rowing club, which has frequently topped the national rankings.

The Antonio Ritucci Memorial

The competition is linked to the Antonio Ritucci Memorial, dedicated to the memory of the founder of the La Ciurma association. This tribute gives the event a strong emotional and identity-based value for the Vasto community, weaving sport together with the history of local rowing and the passion for the sea that has always defined life in Vasto.

Between Vasto Marina and the port of Punta Penna

The regatta takes place along the Vasto Marina coastline, near the pier, where the public can watch the challenges directly from the beach. In some editions, the race is hosted in the port basin of Punta Penna, an alternative venue used in case of adverse weather or sea conditions. During the races, swimming and any activity that might interfere with the competition are prohibited to ensure the safety of the athletes and the regularity of the regatta.

Sport, tradition, and maritime culture

The Vasto Rowing Palio is much more than a race: it is a celebration of the maritime culture of this stretch of the Abruzzo coast. The city of Vasto, overlooking the Adriatic and serving as a gateway to the evocative Trabocchi Coast, experiences the event as a community moment where competitiveness, tradition, and a sense of belonging merge into a day of celebration open to both residents and visitors.