Learn to row and sail in the Venetian tradition
Our association has a simple goal: to keep alive the tradition of Venetian rowing and lateen sailing, sharing it with those who live here and those who want to get to know the city in a more authentic way.
About Us
We are Veniceonboard, an amateur sports association founded in 2014 in Venice by a group of friends who share a common passion: the traditional boats of the Venetian lagoon.
For this reason, we organise lessons, activities and outings open to everyone — beginners, residents and curious visitors — in a simple and friendly atmosphere. No experience is required: all you need is the desire to get in a boat.
For centuries, the boat was the most natural way to move through the canals and the lagoon. Today rowing has become mainly a sport, and traditional sailing is practised by only a few. We work to make sure this knowledge continues to be part of the city’s life.
All the boats we use are traditional Venetian boats restored by the association. Today the fleet includes seven active boats — among them sandoli, a gondola and sanpierote — but over the years we have restored fifteen in total, bringing hulls back onto the water that would otherwise have been lost.
Rowing is a different way of experiencing Venice: slower, quieter and more attentive. If you are curious about voga alla veneta or vela al terzo, you are welcome on board.
Our activities
Below you can find the activities you can take part in aboard the traditional Venetian boats restored by the association. Activities are reserved for members. If you are not yet a member, you can sign up in just a few minutes at our headquarters before the activity.
Venetian Rowing Courses
By following our lessons you can learn the traditional rowing technique used by Venetians
The courses are designed to train the stern rower (pope in Venetian) — the person who rows standing up and steers the boat. The goal is to become independent in handling the boat and navigating the city’s canals.
Lessons last one hour, are one-to-one, and are suitable for anyone aged 6 and over. Longer or shared lessons can be arranged on request. Frequency, day and time are arranged with the Association’s office.
Vogavia Rowing Outings
Group outings for those who would like to try Venetian rowing without committing to a full course
The activity begins with a short visit to the boat restoration workshop and an introduction to the world of traditional rowing. This is followed by a boat outing through the city’s canals together with an instructor.
It is a gentle rowing experience lasting about an hour and a half, suitable for families and groups of all ages — a chance to discover Venice from the water and become familiar with traditional boats.
traditional vela al terzo sailing lessons
You will learn the traditional sailing technique used for centuries in the Venetian lagoon
During the lessons you will learn nautical terminology, the main manoeuvres, and how to properly rig and unrig the boat.
The outings last about two hours, are group lessons, and are suitable for anyone aged 8 and over. Private or longer lessons can be organised on request. Dates and times are arranged with the instructors depending on weather and tide conditions.
Boats Available to Members
Once members have gained sufficient experience, and with the instructors’ approval, they may book and use the association’s boats independently.
This option is reserved for members who demonstrate good rowing skills and the ability to manoeuvre and stop the boat safely.
In addition to our regular activities, we organise educational visits, boat outings and group activities on request for schools, groups, companies, associations and individuals interested in learning about Venetian rowing and the traditional boats of the lagoon.
These initiatives are also a concrete way to support the association, the maintenance of the boats and our restoration projects.
Contact us — te spetemo!
Send us a message on WhatsApp and we will reply as soon as possible