Regata Pazza: Lake Garda’s Recycled Boat Race Returns for This Edition

At first, it was just a crazy idea, and now it’s a must-attend event.

The Crazy Regatta Week

The seventh edition of the Regata Pazza, the most absurd nautical competition on Lake Garda, takes off on Ferragosto, in the water body in front of the Centro Nautico Acquafresca.

Started as a fun project born from the imagination of the Fior d’Olivo multisport club, stirred up by the center’s secretary Giulia Seppi, the race involving boats built entirely from recycled materials has become a summer cult event in the Benaco area.

About ten teams will compete on Wednesday afternoon starting from 3 p.m. in a straightforward, simple racecourse.

Just under 500 meters to cover with craft that have nothing to do with freshwater boating.

The nature of the race

As with all respectful challenges, tension and anticipation always rise before the start, even if in a slightly different way than usual.

Indeed, the waiting is mainly fueled by curiosity to see the new prototype boats launched for the occasion, while the anxiety, so to speak, stems from the chances of crossing the finish line with the vessels in the water.

The boats are sail or rowed, obviously non-nautical, with a strict ban on motorized vessels.

For several days, some teams have been working at the Centro Nautico Acquafresca to assemble the most original craft, and rumors suggest that the old, beloved grandma’s wardrobe is making a comeback as a floating boat to be dumped in the water.

At the starting line, there’s also a baby boat and a Hawaiian island.

Prizes and awards

“Compared to the past, the prizes are increased,” explains Giulia Seppi.

In addition to the crazy trophy awarded to the first boat to cross the finish line, there are recognitions such as the Leonardo da Vinci prize for the most original idea, the Narcissus for the most beautiful boat, and the Ferragosto plaque awarded to the largest crew.