Hi Tony,
I opened this thread as a general register for anyone having done a memorable faster-higher-stronger stunt with his Swallowboat.
BTW, the current height record for a Swallowboat is not just 3.000 ft. but 6,588 ft., that was the second photo taken on the 'Simplon' Pass (2,005 mtrs.).
However, the other pass 'Cento Croci' between Liguria and Parma though it was a lot lower was a lot more challenging, with having dozens and dozens of hair raising hairpin bends and ultra narrow passages through mountain villages. Amazing what one can do with a BayRaider.
Yes, there would have been a lower road to Venice, which would have meant turning left at Genova, but we went on straight there instead, and up into the Ligurian mountains. By the time we realised we were going up and up and things got a bit tight there, there was practically no turning back possible anymore, and we just braved it. We were compensated through finding the exquisite Albergo and Ristorante 'Amici' in practically medieval Varese Ligure, and thought it all well worth the detour.
No, we did not partake in the Vogalonga Rowing Race, we just watched the survivors coming in from our lookout post on Accademia Bridge. Weather was tough that day, some 50 boats swamped or sank in the hearty chop of the open Lagoon.
We partook in the Velalonga Raid instead, and came in second overall, after 'Molly' of the Henley Whalers who had also won the 2008 Raid there.
Poor Molly got dismasted in the Velalonga Race thereafter, but no one injured thank Goodness.
The Velalonga Raid is incredible, it leads through the total solitude and beauty of the huge inner Lagoon where 99% of other boats can never ever go. We sometimes raced shortcuts over stretches with little more than a foot of water, at high tide. Without a problem BTW, due to our kick-up rudder and c'board. Blistering sunshine mostly, winds from none to blow, and great company. We'll be back there next year, and hope to find an even 'altius' pass on the way.
Thanks for your company in the Morbihan, unforgotten.
With kind regards also from Martina, Charlie and Kitty,
Claus