The Tip of the Spear

I shot this photo in Venice across from Ca d'Oro, just a few steps away from the fish market.  Where I took the photo isn't that important - because this view can be seen all over Venice.


This particular prow is at the front of a mascareta from the GSVVM.
By tapering the nose of these boats, and mounting a solid steel tip at the point, the designers and builders of these boats have given their bows the best chance possible to survive all the bumps, scrapes, and grinds typical of a boat in the Veneto.


My favorite part is the "tip of the spear".
Not only does this ferro piece protect the nose of the boat, it has a nice intimidation effect on anyone intent on playing "chicken" with the boat.