International University Rowing Challenge on the Grand Canal returns during the Regata Storica

On 6 September, the 22nd International University Rowing Challenge will take place aboard galleons on the Grand Canal as part of Venice’s most important rowing event, the Regata Storica. 
In the 2026 edition – the 15th since the competition became international – the Venetian Universities – CUS Venezia crew will compete against teams from the University of Padua, the University of Vienna and the University of Warwick. 
The competition is in two stages. The first will consist of qualifying heats on Saturday 5 September, which will determine which crews compete for first and second place (Final A) and which for third and fourth place (Final B). The second stage, held as part of the Regata Storica, will be a single 750-metre race between the Rialto Bridge and Ca’ Foscari. 
The galleons, traditional eight-oared fixed-seat rowing boats, are provided by the Venice Committee for the Regatta of the Ancient Italian Maritime Republics. Thanks are due to Canella Winery and New Murano Gallery glassworks for their support.

The event is organised by Ca’ Foscari University of Venice in collaboration with CUS Venezia and Iuav University of Venice, with the support of the Municipality of Venice and Ve.La S.p.A. 
The programme for both stages of the Rowing Challenge and the line-ups of the competing crews are available on the Ca’ Foscari website [ITA].