by InTrieste
Interview: Mitja Gialuz, president of Barcolana regatta; Pierpaolo Roberti Councilor for Local Autonomies, Security, and Immigration
Registrations are officially open for the 58th edition of the Barcolana — the world’s largest sailing regatta — with thousands of sailors set to descend on Trieste once again for the iconic race on Sunday, 11 October 2026. The full festival programme will run from 2 to 11 October, organisers announced at a launch event hosted by the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano (SVBG).
Branded “Barcolana58 presented by Generali,” this year’s edition introduces the new slogan “Be Barcolana,” unveiled by SVBG President Mitja Gialuz as both an invitation to take part and a first step toward the event’s milestone 60th anniversary.
Among the highlights of the 2026 edition is the highly anticipated return of the Italian Navy’s legendary training ship Nave Vespucci, while visitors will also meet “Lelio,” Barcolana’s brand-new official mascot — a Labrador created by Trudi in homage to beloved Triestine entertainer Lelio Luttazzi.
The Barcolana Villaggio will grow even larger this year, extending into the Borgo Teresiano district and along the Ponterosso waterfront, further transforming the city into a vibrant celebration of sailing, culture, and life by the sea.
New for 2026 is Barcolana Cammina, a series of guided walks and activities developed with Fondazione Aquileia that will explore the ancient bond between Aquileia, water, and navigation.
Online registrations remain open until Saturday, 10 October at www.barcolana.it. Sailors who sign up by 31 July will receive double entry into a prize draw featuring two Honda vehicles, while tourism experience packages linked to the event will become available on the official website starting 1 June 2026.
