12/11/2025
Penryn RC were fortunate to travel to the picturesque waters of Maccagno con Pino and Veddasca, between Giona Park and the Port, which played host to the European Championships organised by the Italian Fixed Seat Rowing Federation (FICSF) on Saturday 18th October.
For the British rowers, the adventure began long before they reached the water. A dramatic closure of both lanes of the M5 caused a few nervous moments, but everyone made the flight to Milan Malpensa in time. FICSF President Marco Mugani, along with Beatriz Silva and a team of local volunteers, met crews on arrival and expertly coordinated transport and accommodation – no small task given the record number of international participants this year.
Before racing began, the host club at Maccagno provided a valuable training day. Visiting crews were able to familiarise themselves with the different fixed-seat styles, from the gondola-like VIPs rowed standing, to the traditional Gozzi and the sleek Joles and to practice safely under the guidance of experienced local coaches.
The weekend began in true Italian style with a lively welcome reception hosted by the Pro Loco Maccagno at Parco delle Feste. A marching band, the Bersaglieri di Vergiate, set the tone for the days ahead, filling the park with music and laughter. At the welcome dinner, Penryn Captain Beverley Davis, who has supported and promoted fixed-seat rowing since 2013, led the Cornish contingent in a rousing rendition of Cornwall My Home, much to the amusement and delight of the international crowd.
British clubs Penryn, Calstock, Coverack, Rame, Salcombe, Mounts Bay, Hayle, Jurassic, Rowhedge, Cockle and University Sailing Club were all represented at the event. We joined Italian national crews and a men’s team from Malta for two days of competition and camaraderie on Lake Maggiore. Around 150 athletes took part across three fixed-seat disciplines: Gozzo, Jole Lariana and Voga in Piedi (Standing Rowing), with races for both men and women.
Finals day on Saturday 18 October dawned calm and clear, offering near-perfect conditions for the 750 m course on Lake Maggiore. The British crews performed superbly across all categories, with some excellent results against strong competition.
Results highlights:
• Women’s VIP:
1st Italy,
2nd Italy,
3rd Mounts Bay
(Joanne Culley and Nina Smith, competing in their first ever VIP race)
• Women’s Gozzi:
1st Italy,
2nd Calstock,
3rd Coverack
• Women’s Jole:
1st Italy,
2nd Penryn,
3rd Jurassic Coast
• Open VIP:
1st Italy,
2nd Malta,
3rd Calstock
• Open Gozzi:
1st Italy,
2nd Malta,
3rd Rowhedge
• Open Jole:
1st Italy,
2nd Malta,
3rd Salcombe
Off the water, many rowers took time to explore the beautiful lakeside towns and mountain scenery surrounding Maccagno. The mix of Italian and Swiss influences, historic architecture and dramatic views made the trip every bit as memorable as the rowing itself.
Coming as it does at the end of our busy rowing season, it would be great to see more of our younger rowers taking part in future international events. Whilst many of our competitors were Vets, Super Vets and Masters there is much joy to be discovered for rowers all ages in sharing our sport across borders.
You can see more photos from the weekend on the Italian Federation’s page: FICSF Photo Gallery.
