More than 80 boats row, row, rowed gently down the river in Goolwa for the second annual Vogalonga Down Unda.

On Sunday 16 May, the River Port of Goolwa was the place to be for all rowing and people-powered boat enthusiasts.

The second year of the Vogalonga Down Unda saw 250 registered participants from all over South Australia, aged from five to 94 years old.

There were about 87 craft in the fleet in this year’s event, including two surf boats; seven dragon boats, including a traditional Malaysian boat; nine row boats powered by singles, doubles, quads and teams of eight; 47 kayaks; 12 surf ski paddlers; four canoes and a few stand-up paddleboards.

Vogalonga Down Unda is the creation of avid Venetian-style rower Michael Piovesan, who says the Goolwa event is inspired by the annual Vogalonga in Venice, Italy.

“Unfortunately there wasn't a Venetian-style boat in our Vogalonga Down Unda. I'm still working on that and hope to have at least one Venetian-style boat built locally in next year's event,” Michael says.

This year, participants had the choice of three different courses. A short course of 5.5 kilometres, the main course of 13.5km and an extended course of 18.7 km.

“Our event depends on favourable winds to not spoil the party. Fortunately the weather gods smiled on us, and everyone was able to complete their chosen course,” Michael says.

Participants were encouraged to dress up for the occasion, with a few teams taking advantage of the opportunity.

Teams from Goolwa, Renmark, Mawson Lakes, Port Adelaide and others wore the colours of their respective rowing clubs; however, some teams took a creative approach.

“The Moana surf boat crew came as Vikings. The Victor Dragons dragon boat team wore blue and yellow tutus, and the Adelaide Survivors Abreast dragon boat team wore gondolier-style T-shirts,” Michael says.

A highlight of the day was the parade of all the different vessels, which travelled in a procession from the Goolwa Aquatic Club to the Wharf Precinct.

“A pace boat, Lotus, the pride of the local Armfield Slip and Boatshed led the flotilla and kept the speed at 4 knots so that spectators could get a good view of the combined fleet,” Michael says.

Before leaving the Goolwa Aquatic Club, Michael called an alza remi, a traditional Venetian salute where oars are raised, to the Lord Mayor of Alexandrina Council Keith Parkes.

This was done as a ceremonial link to Venice, which celebrates its 1600th birthday this year.