by InTrieste
Interviews: Andrea Sironi, President of Assicurazioni Generali; Emma Ursich, the Head of Corporate Identity at Generali; Mitja Gialuz, president of Barcolana
Nearly 600 events across seven locations in Friuli Venezia Giulia will lead up to the 57th edition of Barcolana, the world’s largest sailing regatta, scheduled for Sunday, October 12.
Organizers from the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, together with presenting partner Generali, unveiled the program on Tuesday, highlighting a wide-ranging calendar that extends beyond Trieste to include Grado, Lignano, the Lake of the Three Municipalities, and the Tagliamento River. The theme for this year’s edition is “Where Passion Meets the Sea.”
The regatta, known locally as the “Coppa d’Autunno” (Autumn Cup), traditionally transforms Trieste’s waterfront into a stage for thousands of sailors and spectators. This year’s program emphasizes inclusivity, environmental protection, and the development of water sports. “Barcolana57 is an event designed to offer something for everyone: sport, music, theater, literature, art exhibitions, inclusive projects, and opportunities for fun and learning,” said Mitja Gialuz, president of the organizing club.
Generali, which has supported Barcolana for decades, continues to expand its “Women in Sailing” initiative, launched in 2019 to encourage mixed crews in competitive sailing. The company is sponsoring a dedicated regatta on October 10 and awarding the Generali Women in Sailing Trophy to the first mixed-gender crew crossing the finish line with a woman in a leadership role. “A more equitable and inclusive society is built through concrete shared actions,” said Andrea Sironi, president of Generali. “Sailing is an extraordinary educational tool that fosters youth development and collective growth.”
The 12-day program combines competitive sailing with cultural and community events. Highlights include the Parasailing Eurosaf Inclusive European Championship for paralympic sailing, open-water swimming competitions, kitesurf and windsurf races, as well as youth regattas. Onshore, Trieste’s Piazza Unità will host the “Barcolana Village,” featuring exhibitions, installations, and family-friendly activities, including workshops by Generali’s foundation The Human Safety Net.
The festival will also showcase literature, music, and theater. “Un Mare di Racconti,” a literary series, will return from October 6 to 11, while the Barcolana Sea Summit will convene experts and policymakers to discuss ocean health and sustainability. Other special events include Barcolana Fuori Menù, a dinner prepared by inmates trained in culinary programs, and Fiumi Scomparsi, a performance by actor Marco Paolini and jazz musician Paolo Fresu exploring the history of Trieste’s waterways.
More than 700 boats have already registered for the main regatta on October 12, from professional racing yachts to family-owned vessels. Many crews are expected to arrive in flotillas from Slovenia and Italy’s Adriatic coast.
For Trieste and the surrounding region, Barcolana remains both a sporting spectacle and a cultural celebration, drawing international attention to the Adriatic city and its maritime traditions.
