Jane Caporal rows a shrimp-tailed batela on the Grand Canal of Venice, Italy, July 17, 2025. "Row Venice" is a non-profit organization. It was founded by British-born Jane Caporal, who married an Italian and chose to make Venice her home for 35 years.
A passionate advocate of rowing, Jane Caporal established the club to preserve traditional Venetian culture and the unique style of rowing that defines the city -- standing upright and facing forward, a technique made iconic by the gondoliers.
Today, 25 female instructors offer traditional rowing lessons to visitors from around the world, giving them the chance to experience authentic Venetian rowing on the Grand Canal. The revenue from these lessons is reinvested into supporting the club and ensuring that women remain active participants in the sport, an essential part of Venice's living heritage. (Xinhua/Li Jing)
Elena Almansi, member of "Row Venice," gives a lesson of rowing for tourists in Venice, Italy, Aug. 31, 2025.(Xinhua/Li Jing)
Giulia Tagliapietra (2nd R) and Rachele Odessa (1st R) of the "Row Venice" compete during the Regata Storica boat race in Venice, Italy, Sept. 7, 2025.(Xinhua/Li Jing)
Female rowers of the "Row Venice" club pose for a group photo before the Regata Storica boat race in Venice, Italy, Sept. 4, 2025.(Xinhua/Li Jing)
Giulia Tagliapietra (R) and Rachele Odessa of the "Row Venice" compete during the Regata Storica boat race in Venice, Italy, Sept. 7, 2025.(Xinhua/Li Jing)
Giulia Tagliapietra (L) and Rachele Odessa of the "Row Venice" practice for the Regata Storica boat race in Venice, Italy, Sept. 5, 2025.(Xinhua/Li Jing)
Female rowers practice before the Regata Storica boat race in Venice, Italy, Sept. 4, 2025.(Xinhua/Li Jing)
Elena Almansi (R, back), member of "Row Venice," gives a lesson of rowing for tourists in Venice, Italy, Aug. 31, 2025.(Xinhua/Li Jing)
Members of "Row Venice" attend a rehearsal of the Regata Storica boat race in Venice, Italy, Sept. 4, 2025.(Xinhua/Li Jing)
Giulia Tagliapietra (R) and Rachele Odessa of the "Row Venice" practice for the Regata Storica boat race in Venice, Italy, Sept. 5, 2025.(Xinhua/Li Jing)
Jane Caporal rows a shrimp-tailed batela on the Grand Canal of Venice, Italy, July 17, 2025.(Xinhua/Li Jing)
Athletes attend a rehearsal of the Regata Storica boat race in Venice, Italy, Sept. 4, 2025.(Xinhua/Li Jing)
Rowers compete during the Regata Storica boat race in Venice, Italy, Sept. 7, 2025.(Xinhua/Li Jing)
Elena Almansi (L), member of "Row Venice," gives a lesson of rowing for tourists in Venice, Italy, Aug. 31, 2025.(Xinhua/Li Jing)
Elena Almansi (L), member of "Row Venice," celebrates with her teammate after winning the third place of the Regata Storica boat race in Venice, Italy, Sept. 7, 2025.(Xinhua/Li Jing)
Elena Almansi (L), member of "Row Venice," celebrates with her teammate after winning the third place of the Regata Storica boat race in Venice, Italy, Sept. 7, 2025.(Xinhua/Li Jing)
Elena Almansi, member of "Row Venice," practices with her teammate for the Regata Storica boat race in Venice, Italy, Sept. 4, 2025.(Xinhua/Li Jing)
