by InTrieste
The Gulf of Trieste is preparing for one of the world’s largest and most diverse sailing events this weekend, as Barcolana 57, presented by Generali, draws more than 1,800 entries from across Europe. The fleet — a mix of professional, amateur, and family crews — will take to the water Sunday morning at 10:30 for the storied Coppa d’Autunno.
This year’s regatta week has already been marked by a series of high-profile events, including the Barcolana Maxi – Trofeo Portopiccolo, the Solaris Adriatic Cup, and the Este 24 European Championship. The Barcolana Women in Sailing by Generali also returned, celebrating inclusion and mixed-gender competition.
Italian Navy Partnership Expands
A major announcement highlighted the day’s events in Trieste’s Piazza Unità d’Italia: the Italian Navy will bring the Marina Militare Nastro Rosa Il Veloce — the Mediterranean’s longest regatta — to Trieste in 2026, concluding its route from Genoa during the 58th edition of Barcolana. The collaboration was presented within the Vespucci World Tour pavilion, underscoring growing cooperation between Barcolana, the Navy, and Difesa Servizi.
Mitja Gialuz, president of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano (SVBG), described the day as “extraordinary,” noting that participation numbers have returned to pre-pandemic levels. “We are developing important synergies with the Italian Navy, RAI, and the Italian Sailing Federation,” he said, pointing to future collaborations linked to Genoa’s hosting of the 2027 America’s Cup.
Women in Sailing: Inclusion on the Water
In the Barcolana Women in Sailing by Generali, Gaia Petracca, Luca Aldrovandi, and Michela Stefani took first place after four closely contested races in light and shifting winds. The crew from the Fiamme Gialle sports group placed second, while Paralympic sailor Marta Zanetti and her team finished third.
“Equity and inclusion are achieved through action,” said Emma Ursich, Generali’s Corporate Identity Manager and CEO of The Human Safety Net Foundation. “Sport offers an extraordinary opportunity for shared growth, and the Women in Sailing project is a perfect example.”
Competition Across Classes
The Barcolana Maxi – Trofeo Portopiccolo delivered a day of spectacular racing, with Shockwave 3 of Yacht Club Monfalcone claiming victory ahead of Doers on Board and Pegaso. After two races, Anywave leads the overall standings.
In the Solaris Adriatic Cup, Pittilanto by Pierpaolo Zani won Class B, while Lo Re by Matteo Forni topped Class C after a day marked by shifting breezes.
The Este 24 European Championship, raced off Muggia, saw Kaster 24 helmed by Antonio Sodo Migliori take the overall lead after four races. The final Stadium Race is scheduled this evening in Bacino San Giusto, bringing the competition into the heart of the city.
From Ravenna to Trieste
Twenty-five boats competed in the Go To Barcolana da Ravenna – Trofeo Gruppo Hera, a feeder race linking the Middle Adriatic to Trieste. Movida by Ivo Petrelli won line honors, while Eli by Mauro Cavazzuti took first place in the ORC handicap division.
Barcolana Sea Summit: Innovation and Sustainability
The Barcolana Sea Summit concluded with two panels focusing on underwater innovation and the sustainable development of the maritime economy.
The discussions, held in the Regional Palace in Piazza Unità, brought together figures from research, industry, and government, including Regional Councillor Alessia Rosolen, Admiral Cristiano Nervi of the Italian Navy, and Gabriele Maria Cafaro, Executive Vice President of Fincantieri.
Journalist Donatella Bianchi moderated a later session on the economic and environmental implications of underwater activity. “Sustainability is not just a title,” Bianchi said, “but part of a process of research, development, and regulation that must guide our relationship with the sea.”
Looking Ahead
Saturday’s schedule will see a full day of races and cultural events, from the Barcolana Classic Trofeo SIAD parade to evening regattas in Bacino San Giusto and the concert An Ocean’s Song in Piazza Unità.
With the fleet already filling the Gulf and the city streets alive with visitors, Trieste once again stands at the center of the Mediterranean sailing world — a stage where tradition, sport, and community converge.
