Demonstration in Venice planned on the occasion of the visit of a superyacht by the American ambassador | Venice

Venetian protesters plan to disrupt the visit of U.S. ambassador Tilman Fertitta, who is traveling aboard his 117-metre superyacht to Venice on July 17 as part of a cruise celebrating ties between Rome and Washington and the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. About forty demonstrators gathered Thursday, with activists warning they fear the yacht could dock in the lagoon city. One speaker, Stella Faye, referenced last June’s protests that derailed Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ wedding party in Venice. Fertitta’s yacht, Boardwalk, is described as a six-deck vessel with two helipads and two swimming pools, estimated at $450 million. Organizers worry it could be positioned near major historic venues for the Festa del Redentore, a July holiday with fireworks that draws thousands. The group also cited specific mooring areas handled by Venezia Terminal Passeggeri, including off Punta della Dogana and Riva dei Sette Martiri.