In the heart of Venice, a city whose entire mobility happens on water (when not on foot), the sight of female boat drivers has remained a rarity for decades. But a newly formed sports association in town is here to break that trend. “It may seem strange in this day and age, but it’s still a world that’s overwhelmingly dominated by men,” says Marta Canino. Motivated by this gender imbalance, Marta launched Fie a Manetta in 2020 as a boating school with one simple mission: to teach and empower others to navigate Venice’s intricate lagoon with confidence and skill.
Marta’s journey began far from the Venetian canals. Born in Venice, she spent her childhood in Africa and then Rome. Venice, however, never ceased to be a place where she felt at once safe and curious. A deep love of nature has been Marta’s guiding star throughout her life. Whether observing wildlife in the savanna or exploring the lagoon’s flora and fauna with her uncle, these experiences fuelled her passion for the natural world. It was during these boat trips that Marta first learned to steer a boat, a skill that would prove invaluable. Upon returning to Venice, Marta’s love for the water led her to local sailing clubs, where she honed her skills as a competitive sailor. This sport instilled in her the mindset, discipline, and dedication that would later be crucial during the challenging months of the global pandemic when she started Fie a Manetta –– literally, Girls at The Steering Stick.
From the moment Italy relaxed its restrictions on gatherings and sports activities in the late spring of 2020, Marta, alongside a group of women founders began their training sessions. They offered courses and lessons rich in advice rather than strict instructions, sitting side-by-side with their students and taking command when necessary to demonstrate a manoeuvre. The knowledge passed on is almost intangible – a blend of intuition and practical skills that can only be acquired by watching, hearing, trying, and feeling the water and how the boat reacts to each movement. Plus, a series of tips and best practices to navigate the lagoon safely while avoiding the most challenging canals, facing the ever-changing tides, or staying clear of fishing nets.
Fie a Manetta, now a CONI-recognised sports association headquartered on the island of Giudecca, offers a range of activities, from theoretical lessons on gender to license-free boat driving, fishing, and radio-controlled motor boating. Sociality and inclusion are at the heart of their endeavours. The hope is that the lagoon will increasingly become a space shaped for women, with more attention given to the needs of private boats and accessible services.
“For us, a fundamental objective is to take our boating education to the local public schools,” Marta explains. Last year, they offered a free course to 20 young people aged 14 to 18, with extraordinary results. “Sitting alongside those who learn, following their technical progress, building experience together, and sharing successes – all these things create bonds and a conscious community,” Marta says with pride. “There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing our students become independent.”
Inside Venice has been collaborating with Fie a Manetta since their inception, offering unique experiences that bridge the gap between locals and travellers, showcasing Venice and its people from an authentic perspective while also supporting a meaningful association and its projects. As Marta’s vision continues to unfold, Fie a Manetta stands as a beacon of empowerment and community in Venice and a testament to the power of shared knowledge.
