The Vogalonga started, in Italy, over 40 years ago when a bunch of passionate Venetians got together to creatively protest against the increase of noisy, motorised craft on the waterways of Venice at that time. (Possibly against the increasing incidence of cruise liners also). They hatched an idea for a 'non-competitive' race that should be open to everyone and any type of non-motorized craft.
In 2020 a group of South Australians, who saw the potential for a similar event on our River Murray, organised a 'Vogalonga Down Unda' to take place in Goolwa. The setting was perfect; not only is Goolwa located on Australia's longest, and the world's third-longest navigable river, Goolwa is Australia's first Cittaslow (Slow Town). It's a perfect setting for a non-motorized, non-competitive regatta.
Goolwa Venetian boat. Photo by Rod Flintoff.
The event was originally scheduled for April 2020, with a hundred entries on the water and an accompaniment of land-based activities involving food, wine and music. A certain, unwelcome visitor put paid to those well-laid plans and a smaller event, without food, wine and music, took place in October 2020.
Photo from Hindmarsh Island Bridge by Rod Flintoff
Undaunted, organisers planned, and held, another small-scale event in May of 2021. In 2022 Vogalonga Down Unda will proceed in its full glory.
Dragon boats line up, early morning 2021
The event will start, with a Welcome to Country (Ramindjeri) message at 9am on Sunday April 24.
Welcome to Ramindjeri Country. Photo by Rod Flintoff.
A variety of watercraft, led by some of Goolwa's famous (motorized) vintage wooden boats, will start one of three courses from the Goolwa Aquatic Club (GAC) and proceed, with much fanfare and fun, along their chosen route. The main course is 12kms long but participants can choose a shorter, 6.5km course or an extended, 16.5km course.
Goolwa wooden boat. Photo by Rod Flintoff
Observers are encouraged to cheer the boats along from the Hindmarsh Island Bridge or other vantage points along Liverpool Rd, where locals are expected to dress up their jetties and cheer the boats on.
Viewing area - Vogalonga Down Unda
Participants in the past two events have rowed and paddled an eclectic collection of craft including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, skulls, tinnies, dragon boats and even Venetian-style gondolas.
Stand Up 'Peddle' Board, Goolwa.
Colourful costumes and uniforms have been a feature as well as flags, banners and a bit of festive noise.
Colourful Vogalonga Down Unda participants. Photo by Rod Flintoff.
The youngest entrant, so far, was 8 years old, and the oldest, 92. Some participants were dogs.
Stand Up Paddle Dog. Photo by Rod Flintoff.
This year's event has attracted three hundred participants in one hundred 'boats' so far. Kayaks and canoes can be hired locally, from
Canoe The Coorong, for those who do not own their own craft.
Kayak. Photo by Rod Flintoff.
With social restrictions reduced, land-based activities are set to proceed so everyone can enjoy lunch, snacks, drinks and music until 3pm.
Rowboat. Photo by Rod Flintoff.
Vogalonga Down Unda 2022 is promising to be huge fun. Find more details
here.
Dragon Boats by Rod Flintoff.
