The Querini and the Ashley Clarke

City Barge’s love affair with Venetian rowing began in 1994.  A ceremony took place at the clubhouse of the Società Canottieri Francesco Querini at which the Querini and City Barge were twinned.

Then the Querini gave City Barge a beautiful and practical boat – a Venetian sandolo, equivalent to a Thames skiff, which was named the Ashley Clarke. The following year City Barge returned the compliment by giving the Querini a Janousek sculling boat.

The Disdotona on the Thames

This is the flagship of the Querini, on the Thames in 2004.  Many clubs have a flagship, but who has a boat to rival this?  With 18 oars and 82-feet long she is the most extreme gondola in existence.  She has a throne of honour for two in the bows, riding suspended above the water.

The Venetas racing at Henley Regatta

Several times the Querini have visited the Thames and rowed on our beautiful calm water … but in July 2004 they came in strength, and brought with them a large truck containing their special boats.  They came to Henley Regatta and exhibited the most extreme form of their Venetian skill.

 

To learn more about the techniques of Venetian rowing  - please click here

To find out more about annual  rowing events in Venice - please click here