Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Coppa Risi'atori 2012

There were times when the right to unload an incoming vessel went to the first local longshoremen who showed up alongside the ship, before entering the port. The “prize” obviously went to the crew with the strongest rowers, and that was only the beginning of their hard work. They rowed toward the ships in almost every weather and were therefore called “risi'atori” or “risicatori”, which means risk-takers.
The “Coppa Risi'atori” celebrates every year the strenght of these men who rowed not for leisure, but to make a hard living. The race starts from the Meloria islet, about 5 km outside the port of Livorno, with the finish line in the “Darsena Nuova” of the “Porto Mediceo”.Venezia rowers, Coppa Risi'atori 2012, LivornoThe crew of the “Venezia” was so ahead of the other boats that some of the rowers were able to raise their hands well before of the end of the race.Venezia rowers, Coppa Risi'atori 2012, LivornoThe rowers and their support team celebrating in the waters of the “Darsena Nuova”.Venezia rowers, Coppa Risi'atori 2012, LivornoIt is probably not a case that their “cantina” is on the “Erta dei Risicatori” (Risk Takers Slope).

See also: Coppa Risi'atori - Beyond the Second - The Old “Cantina” - The Anchors of Venice
External links: Meloria (Wikipedia)

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I want more red. ;o~Mary

Luis Gomez said...

These are great VP!

Lois Evensen said...

What great pictures! You have captured the spirit of the event!

Randy said...

That's some tattoo on that guys thigh in the third shot. Must have been fun.

Traveling Hawk said...

These photos are very dynamic, VP! I appreciate the explanation about "risi'atori".

Dina said...

Such jubilation in your photos!

Thanks for the historical explanation. I never thought about rowing in that way. They were brave men indeed.

cieldequimper said...

I hadn't noticed the tattoos before Randy pointed them out. So many of them! I hope you'll show more photos of the other competitors!

joo said...

Superb photos! I like especially the last one (despite the tattoos, which I rather don't like).

Gunn said...

I have seen them in action, around the taxiboat to and from the Marco Polo airport.... Strong legs and strong nerves!

Lots of energy in your images!
I like them!

Unknown said...

The middle shot is great: celebration on water!
I hope I'll be watching the Volvo Ocean Race departure from Oeiras next weekend.