In 1992, club member Vittorio Soave Cerea challenged the single scullers of the club to see who could complete the Cerea-Moncalieri-Isolotto-Cerea route—an eleven-kilometer round trip—in the shortest time. Ten members took up the challenge. The following year, fifteen participants joined.
In 1994, the regatta was added to the national calendar of the Italian Rowing Federation. In 1996, senior A and junior athletes joined the event, with approximately seventy participants. Year after year, what began as a friendly challenge started to attract rowing enthusiasts eager to compete under the watchful eye of the city of Turin.
In 2002, the SilverSkiff Trophy was included in the International Calendar of FISA (Fédération Internationale des Sports d’Aviron), now known as World Rowing, officially becoming an International Regatta, and the number of participants reached five hundred. Since then, participation from top national and international champions has also increased.
2006 marked the international recognition of the SilverSkiff, with New Zealander Mahe Drysdale, the reigning world champion in single sculls, making his debut. He would continue to be a top competitor in this category in subsequent years.
In 2007, the Cantiere Filippi Lido became the technical sponsor of the event, bringing around forty high-level boats to Turin for participants from distant countries.
Many wonder what has contributed to the success of this regatta, which has grown over the years to become, without false modesty, the best single scull regatta in Europe and arguably in the world, earning the title “The Italian Race.” The strength of the SilverSkiff primarily lies in the many volunteer members who contribute to the success of the event. About 120 members, trainees, and volunteers dedicate their time each year to assist the organizing committee with dedication and enthusiasm. The collaboration of other local rowing clubs, which open their doors, is also crucial.
The regatta’s appeal is enhanced by the beauty of the city of Turin adorned in autumn colors.
From ten friends to over six hundred single sculls on the river.
The SilverSkiff is, quite simply, pure love for rowing.