Venice Activists Target Fertitta's $450 Million Yacht Visit During July 17 Redentore Festival
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 27
Venice Activists Target Fertitta's $450 Million Yacht Visit During July 17 Redentore Festival
2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 27
Summary
About 40 Venice protesters met Thursday to plan disruption of U.S. Ambassador Tilman Fertitta’s July 17 arrival aboard Boardwalk, a 117-metre superyacht tied to his “Coastal Diplomacy 250” tour.
Activists fear the yacht could dock in Venice’s historic center during Festa del Redentore, potentially blocking prime views and diverting police and boat-traffic management from one of the city’s biggest public celebrations.
The campaign, branded “Venezia non si USA,” casts the visit as another case of wealthy outsiders using Venice as a backdrop and singles out Fertitta’s role in the Trump administration.
Boardwalk is reportedly worth $450 million and could moor near Punta della Dogana or Riva dei Sette Martiri, both central spots along the festival waterfront.
The protest echoes last year’s action against Jeff Bezos’s wedding, when threats to fill canals with inflatable crocodiles helped force a last-minute venue change.