the Simone Fulciniti
Livorno Waterspouts, pouring rain. Cloudburst. Waves, cold, zero visibility. Strong wind. Great fear. At a certain point heavy hail. This is the sudden storm that surprised the 10-oared boats of all the support boats that arrived at Meloria for the starting phases of the 45th edition of the Risiatori Cup. Panic and disbelief on the open sea. The images arriving live on television are chilling. Soon the decision was made to return the boats, due to the impracticability of the field and above all for the safety of the rowers. Initially there were rumors of a possible time shift, but the general conditions suggest that this cannot be one of the possibilities. Then the unique and iconic snapshots of the gozzos towed by seagulls, heading towards the new dock, in an atmosphere that brings to mind “Sea in storm”, a painting that Fattori created in 1905. At 6.30pm the official announcement of Luca Marconi, Ficsf regional president and Mayor Salvetti: the regatta is cancelled. «For the recovery – says the mayor – we are going towards the date of 22 June. After the Barontini Cup. That’s the only window available.” An afternoon to tell the grandchildren. And who, in his own way, will remain in the history of rowing competitions.
The other categories
The two-day “Cup” opened with the Juniores, women’s and Special Olympics categories. On Saturday, on the competition field set up in the new dock (three turning points, departure and arrival at Porta a Mare), the four-oared gozzettas battle it out, between final qualifying heats which in the end provide some surprise verdicts. No variation on the theme in the under 18 area. After some initial uncertainty due to the distance between the buoys (resolved quickly and well), the one to win, convince, or rather it would be better to say “dominate” was Borgo Cappuccini, which confirms itself as a truly quartet formidable. After having lined up everyone in the first heat, he competed in a flawless final, rowing to perfection and at a battle pace dictated by helmsman Daniele Pecci, who was impeccable in his handling. The time of 3’53″8 says a lot about the power of the Juventus motor, considering that the other favorite, Venezia, came second with a 4’06’2. Third Ovosodo, fourth San Jacopo. The time to see the “specials” at work (kids with mental disabilities – four crews with the victory of the “Livorno-style cod) is the turn of the increasingly aggressive and numerous “girls”. In the first round of competition Salviano comes out, so that the final comes between Labrone, Ardenza, Borgo and Ovosodo. And here comes the twist with the girls (undefeated until now) of the Borgo who are surprised by a great Ovosodo: the last turning point is decisive, better faced by the white-yellow team.
The national competition
Yesterday also saw the big news of this edition take place: the national women’s 10-oar race. 5 crews competing: Borgo, the mixed Ardenza-Labrone, Elba, Ortona (with elements from Salviano) and the Benci centre. Individual time trial with Porta a Mare route, swing bridge, Elba pier and arrival at the new dock. In the morning, accompanied by a very good, sunny temperature, the girls fought the weather with strength and courage. The three from Livorno qualified for the final, with Ardenza Labrone recording the best time. The final is played in the afternoon, when the sky has already turned black and the temperature has dropped. Borgo wins, heroically in the rain. From then on the weather and sea conditions worsened. L
