by InTrieste
Interview: Mitja Gialuz, president of Barcolana Regatta
Five days after thousands of sails filled the Gulf of Trieste, organizers of Barcolana 57, presented by Generali, unveiled the official numbers of what they described as an “exceptional edition” — both on land and at sea.
The Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, which oversees the event, announced that this year’s regatta attracted 483,000 spectators, about 20,000 more than in 2024, and confirmed Barcolana’s position as the world’s largest sailing race and one of Italy’s most celebrated public events.
“Barcolana continues to grow while maintaining its balance between quality and quantity,” said Mitja Gialuz, president of the organizing society. “It’s an event that looks outward to the world while staying deeply rooted in Trieste and the Adriatic. Our strength lies in teamwork and in keeping the sea and sailing at the center of attention.”
A Sea of Sails
This year’s regatta involved nearly 2,000 boats and about 20,000 people participating in activities across the Adriatic, the Tagliamento River, and the Lake of the Three Municipalities. Sunday, October 12, saw over 17,000 people at sea, with sailors representing 29 countries—a 40 percent increase from last year. Foreign participants made up 15 percent of the fleet, with strong contingents from Slovenia, Austria, Croatia, Germany, and Switzerland.
Beyond the main race, the program included record participation in side events such as Barcolana Nuota, Barcolana Young, and Barcolana Para Sailing, with more than 2,100 athletes taking part.
On Land
Crowds filled Trieste’s historic waterfront for nearly two weeks of festivities, cultural programs, and environmental initiatives. The regatta’s sustainability partner, Just One Earth, reported a 43 percent reduction in littering compared with 2024, alongside a 21 percent decrease in total waste, down from 32 to 25 tons. Recycling reached 62 percent, significantly higher than the citywide average of 48 percent.
Efforts to reduce plastic use — including compostable cups and recyclable materials — were credited with much of the improvement. Most printed materials were produced from sustainable or recycled sources, and leftover fabrics will be donated to a local tailoring cooperative to be repurposed into bags and accessories.
Movement and Safety
The event relied on an extensive logistical and transport network. Trieste Trasporti added 110 extra bus routes, carrying over 8,000 passengers, while Trenitalia operated 40 special trains, bringing more than 64,000 visitors to the city. Enhanced security measures, supported by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, the Prefecture, and Police Headquarters, ensured smooth coordination across the waterfront and nightlife areas.
A total of 1,272 people worked to produce the event—29 percent more than last year—including 215 staff and volunteers managing marine logistics, with 531 boats moored and 63 operations of launching and hauling.
Record Media Reach
Barcolana 57 achieved unprecedented visibility: more than 8.3 million social media views, a 48 percent increase from 2024, and over 1,900 articles published in Italian and international outlets. Around 400 journalists and content creatorscovered the event, including representatives from Reuters, Associated Press, AFP, and ANSA.
The race was broadcast live on Rai Sport and Rai Tre, reaching audiences far beyond Trieste.
Students and Culture
Education and culture remained central to this year’s program. More than 2,700 students participated in related events, including 800 at the Barcolana Sea Summit, which featured 32 panels and performances attended by over 2,000 people. The cultural program included 160 events, from live music to theater and literary discussions, extending beyond the city center to neighborhoods from Muggia to Monfalcone.
As Trieste reflects on another record-breaking edition, Gialuz said organizers are already planning Barcolana 58, with the goal of “deepening engagement, promoting sustainability, and celebrating the spirit of the sea that unites us all.”
