We had the most amazing time in Venice. During the weekend we paddled 5 times up and down the length of the Grand Canal starting with the opening parade on Friday evening May 18.  
 
The Saturday regatta on the open lagoon was thrilling and fast.  We competed against teams from Italy, France, Canada, US, Wagga, Canberra & Newcastle. A series of six back-to-back 250m sprint races where we stayed out in the open lagoon in the boat and waited out turn for the next race.  To take out gold in the women’s and bronze in the mixed was absolutely brilliant.  
 
And the big event on Sunday the Vogalonga was truly fantastic.  Over 3,800 boats of all types and over 8,300 participants from all over the world. It really put the sweeps to the ultimate test and they were amazing.  The distance didn’t seem a problem as the excitement overcame that.  For us it was even longer than the 32kms., more like 40kms. as we had to bring the boat from the other side of Venice Island to the starting point and back.  An unforgettable experience enjoyed by all.
 

A big thank you to all our crews, for such a big effort at the Urunga Regatta. Well done to our first time regatta paddlers and great to have our Armidale members on board.  
A huge congratulations to our women’s team for taking 2nd place in the final.  As your coaches, Alan and I are very proud of you all and thank you for making it such a great day.
 
Paddles up,
Alan & Mandy