The first edition of INVERNO SUL PO dates back to 1983: it was the dream of Gian Antonio Romanini, then president of the Società Canottieri Esperia-Torino.
At that time, the new regulations of the Italian Rowing Federation introduced the holding of competitions only on six-lane race courses; the morphology of the Po would therefore exclude Turin from international competitions.
Like many of Turin's rowers, President Romanini used to train in the stretch of river between Canottieri Esperia-Torino and Moncalieri; it was during one of these training sessions that he had the idea of organising a long-distance regatta (therefore excluded from the parameters of the FIC) that would bring international rowing back to Turin, which had been the cradle of Italian rowing.
Winter is the most congenial season for cross-country skiing, hence the name of the 'Inverno sul Po' regatta, traditionally held during the second or third weekend in February.