by Nina Vaclavikova
Arca SGR, skippered by Furio Benussi, won the 58th edition of the Barcolana sailing regatta on Sunday, October 11, completing the course in 1 hour, 5 minutes and 9 seconds. The victory marked the team’s fourth consecutive win in the annual race in the Gulf of Trieste.
A fleet of 1,858 boats took the start in favorable conditions, with an easterly wind and sunshine drawing more than 15,000 sailors to one of the world’s largest sailing events.
Arca SGR overcame an initial technical problem that delayed its start before taking the lead early in the race and gradually extending its advantage over its closest competitors.
Prosecco DOC Schockwave3, helmed by Mitja Kosmina, finished second, about three and a half minutes behind the winner. Marta 07, skippered by Marta Benussi, placed third, approximately a minute and a half later, and won the Generali Women in Sailing Trophy for the second time. The award recognizes the first woman skipper to cross the finish line.
Manticore-Edilimpianti Trieste finished fourth, followed by Big Sky in fifth place. Fiamme Gialle Nice, Woodpecker Cube-Generali, Fincantieri-Doers On Board, Grillo Parlante and MEDLOG-MVN Ancilla Domini completed the top 10.
Mitja Gialuz, president of the Barcola and Grignano Sailing Society, which organizes the regatta, praised the weather conditions and the competition, highlighting the close contest between Prosecco DOC Schockwave3 and Marta 07. He also described the event as a gathering that brings professional sailors and amateur crews together.
Generali, the regatta’s presenting sponsor, has supported Barcolana for more than 40 years. Its president, Andrea Sironi, said the event reflected the values of participation, inclusion and teamwork, and congratulated Benussi on her victory and Marta Benussi on her performance.
The race concluded 10 days of events across Trieste, with celebrations continuing into the evening as the remaining boats completed the course. Organizers also looked ahead to 2027, when Trieste is expected to play a role alongside Naples in preparations surrounding the America’s Cup.
