Venice Hospitality Challenge

This year again, in October, Venice will be hosting the 5th edition of its “Grand Prix”, the only regatta in the world that takes place on the inner canals of a city. The event promises to be once again a very spectacular event, with the participation of eleven Maxi Yachts which have signed great pages in the history of sailing, led by internationally renowned skippers and paired with the most famous Venetian hotels. Final award: the Doge’s hat, specially made for the Venice Hospitality Challenge by the historic Murano glassworks F.B. Signoretti.

The fleet will be based in Marina Santelena, while the San Marco basin, focal point of the route, will allow the public to follow this competition from the shores. The regatta will start at 1.30 pm on Saturday 20th of October: departure and arrival from the San Marco basin towards the Lido, with buoys positioned between the Lido and Sant’Elena and in front of Punta della Dogana; the latter will consist of a platform that will host an electric AUDI car. As always, the regatta will touch the most evocative points of the Serenissima: Piazza San Marco and the Basilica, Palazzo Ducale, the gardens of the Biennale, the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore and the Giudecca Canal. The award ceremony will take place at 4.30 pm, at the VYP Venice Yacht Piers wharf.

Almar Jesolo Resort & Spa’s flag will wave on one of the most famous racing boats of the Adriatic Sea, the Maxi One IDRUSA: 24.5 meters (80 feet) in length, monotype class designed by Bruce Farr and built in only 8 specimens capable of facing ocean regattas. At the helm Paolo Montefusco, born in 1961 and sailor since 1981, owner of Maxy Yacht, Olympic champion in Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992, and winner of World, European and Italian competitions.

“For the first time, Almar Jesolo Resort & Spa takes part in the Venice Hospitality Challenge and we are really honoured to be paired with such a prestigious yatch as Idrusa and share this exciting experience with Paolo Montefusco’s team in the extraordinary scenario of the San Marco basin. This event combines sport and hospitality and reflects Almar’s values in terms of quality, passion and healthy competition in the world of hospitality. After being awarded as “2018 Best Luxury Wellness Spa in the World”, our participation in the Venice Hospitality Challenge is a further opportunity to show that sport and well being are fundamental aspects of contemporary hospitality offer.”- said Claudia Zanotto, Resort Marketing & Communication Manager – during the press conference held in Venice.

Venice will experience days of sport, lifestyle and luxury, while having a special respect for nature and the sea in particular. The Venetian Yacht Club, promoter of the race, will support One Ocean Foundation, the international project launched by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda for the protection of the seas and spreading awareness on the urgent problems of the marine ecosystem. The skipper Mauro Pelaschier, at the helm of the 36-meter Maxi Yatch Viriella, will be the ambassador of the Foundation and the Charta Smeralda, which all the participating hotels invite to sign: www.1ocean.org.