by Nina Vaclavikova
Interview: Luciano Del Prete, maritime director for Friuli Venezia Giulia
The 2026 Italian Coast Guard calendar, unveiled on Wednesday evening at the Barcola e Grignano Sailing Society, highlights the often-unseen work carried out year-round by the country’s maritime authorities — from lifesaving operations to environmental protection and the management of increasingly busy sea routes.
“The 2026 calendar celebrates the commitment the Coast Guard carries forward quietly, throughout the entire year, to save human lives, protect the marine environment, and support the development of the maritime economy,” said Pierpaolo Roberti, the regional councillor for Local Autonomies and Security. Trieste, he noted, is home to numerous aquatic sports associations that collaborate daily with the Coast Guard, as well as a port that serves as a strategic hub for European maritime traffic. Balancing these activities, he added, “is not simple, but the Port Authority continues to carry out this task with great responsibility and competence.”
The presentation drew regional and local officials, including Luciano Del Prete, maritime director for Friuli Venezia Giulia; Trieste’s municipal security councillor, Caterina De Gavardo; and Dean Bassi, vice president of the Barcola e Grignano Sailing Society.
Produced in collaboration with UNICEF Italy, the calendar features 12 images by internationally recognized photojournalist Massimo Sestini. The photographs depict vessels, aircraft, pilots and rescue teams engaged in the Coast Guard’s daily operations at sea.
