by InTrieste
In a maritime spectacle set to capture the spirit of Italy’s seafaring tradition, the storied training ship Amerigo Vespucciwill return to national waters, making Trieste its first Italian port of call after an ambitious 2023-2025 world tour. To commemorate the occasion, the organizers of the renowned Barcolana regatta are hosting a celebratory Boat Parade on March 1, 2025, inviting sailors and sea enthusiasts to take part in a grand procession.
The non-competitive event is open to all manner of vessels, including sailboats, motorboats, dinghies, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. The first group of participants, composed of sailing boats, inflatables, and motorboats, will depart at 1 p.m. from the Barcolana starting buoy, proceeding at a measured four-knot pace to meet Nave Vespucci and escort her toward the San Giusto Basin. A second contingent, featuring rowing boats, small sailing dinghies, and SUPs, will begin their journey at 2 p.m. from the Old Port breakwater, concluding at the San Giorgio Basin.
Participation in the Boat Parade is free, though registration is required via the event’s official website, specialedition.barcolana.it. From February 22 to 28, in-person registration will also be available at the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, where participants will receive commemorative memorabilia and a Gran Pavese flag to display during the procession. Those registered will also receive a Certificate of Participation.
Two special awards will be presented: one for the sports club with the highest number of registered crews and another for the most creatively decorated vessel, in keeping with the festive spirit of Carnival, which coincides with the event weekend.
Trieste marks the beginning of Nave Vespucci’s Mediterranean tour, which will include stops at several Italian coastal cities and two foreign ports before concluding in Genoa on June 10, 2025, for Italy’s annual Navy Day celebrations. The Barcolana Special Edition and Boat Parade are being organized in partnership with the Ministry of Defense and its in-house company Difesa Servizi SpA, as well as Italian public broadcaster Rai, which has designated the event as a Main Media Partner.
The Vespucci World Tour 2023-2025, an initiative led by Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and supported by twelve government ministries along with the Presidency of the Council, has taken the vessel to major ports worldwide. The mission has blended naval diplomacy, maritime training, and the promotion of Italian excellence through the Villaggio Italia, a traveling exposition showcasing the country’s craftsmanship and innovation.
For more information on participation and event details, visit specialedition.barcolana.it. Further details on the Amerigo Vespucci’s full tour itinerary and public visitation schedules can be found at www.tourvespucci.it.
