Barcolana58: The big weekend begins with the Villaggio in Italia and European and Italian sailing championships

A European Championship and an Italian Championship taking place simultaneously in the Gulf, feeder races with fleets sailing from Ravenna and, from tomorrow, Pula, the opening of the Villaggio IN Italia with the Amerigo Vespucci moored at Molo Bersaglieri, and events bringing the waterfront and Piazza Unità d'Italia to life: the big weekend of Barcolana58 presented by Generali is getting under way. A total of 1,660 boats have registered for the main regatta on Sunday 11 October, while today's sporting programme featured the Este24 European Championship and the Meteor Italian Championship. The Barcolana Solaris Adriatic Cup, meanwhile, has been postponed until tomorrow, when its fleet will race alongside the Barcolana Maxi entries on the Barcolana course. Friday 9 October will also be dedicated to Italian sailing aboard the Amerigo Vespucci, with the Marina Militare Nastro Rosa Veloce prize-giving ceremony and the forum "Italian Seas at the Forefront of World Sailing".

THE AMERIGO VESPUCCI RETURNS TO TRIESTE – The Italian Navy's training ship arrived this morning and moored at Molo Bersaglieri, where the Villaggio IN Italia has also been set up. Her return renews the special bond between the Amerigo Vespucci, the city and Barcolana, just days before Sunday's main regatta. The ceremony marking the conclusion of the Amerigo Vespucci World Tour – North America Campaign 2026 and the inauguration of the Villaggio IN Italia, which will bring the waterfront to life until 12 October, took place today in front of the training ship. The ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy; Luca Andreoli, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Difesa Servizi S.p.A.; Captain Nicasio Falica, Commanding Officer of the Amerigo Vespucci; Sergio Emidio Bini, Regional Councillor for Productive Activities and Tourism of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia; Giuseppe Petronzi, Prefect of Trieste; Roberto Dipiazza, Mayor of Trieste; and Mitja Gialuz, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was preceded by a performance of the Submariners' Anthem by the Northern Maritime Command Band.

"Welcoming the Amerigo Vespucci back to Trieste during Barcolana is a source of great pride and deep emotion for us," said Mitja Gialuz, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano. "We still have vivid memories of the extraordinary Barcolana Special Edition in March 2025, when more than 1,300 boats accompanied the Vespucci on her return to Italy, here in our city. Today, we renew a special bond that brings together two symbols of Italian excellence and maritime culture. We are honoured that the Amerigo Vespucci has once again chosen Trieste and Barcolana to conclude her World Tour. It is a moment that brings us closer to Sunday's great celebration of sailing and allows us to celebrate our shared passion for the sea and the deep connection between Barcolana and the Italian Navy."

Tomorrow, Friday 9 October, will be dedicated to Italian sailing. At 11.00 am, the prize-giving ceremony for the Marina Militare Nastro Rosa Veloce will take place aboard the Amerigo Vespucci. The Mediterranean's longest sailing race features 10 crews aboard Figaro Bénéteau 3 yachts, which departed from Genoa on 25 September and are expected in Trieste after a non-stop course of 1,560 nautical miles. At 3.00 pm, the ship will host the sailing forum "Italian Seas at the Forefront of World Sailing", organised by ANSA and broadcast on ANSA.it. Participants will include Luca Andreoli, Chief Executive Officer of Difesa Servizi; Biagio Mazzotta, Chairman of Fincantieri; Diego Nepi Molineris, Chief Executive Officer of Sport e Salute; Francesco Ettorre, President of the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV); Mitja Gialuz, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano; Massimo Perotti, Chairman of the Sanlorenzo Group; Riccardo Simoneschi, CEO of SSI Sports & Events and Executive Manager of the Marina Militare Nastro Rosa Tour; and a delegation of athletes.

The forum will also feature the presentation of the Naval Academy and City of Livorno International Sailing Week, scheduled from 23 April to 2 May 2027.

BARCOLANA AI SEA SUMMIT – The Barcolana AI Sea Summit, a new Barcolana event dedicated to artificial intelligence and supported by the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, took place today at MIB Trieste School of Management. Twenty speakers, each delivering a 15-minute talk, explored AI through short presentations, sharing practical applications and first-hand experiences ranging from everyday life and local businesses to the major challenges facing the sea and sustainability.

The programme was divided into three acts. The morning focused on innovation, safety and progress, while the afternoon explored the relationship between artificial intelligence and the sea, particularly in relation to navigation routes, medical assistance and environmental protection, before concluding with a reflection on ethical considerations.

The talks, hosted by Edonella Bresci, began following the institutional welcome addresses. Morning speakers included Pietro Orciuolo, curator of the event, with "Let's Learn to Use AI Before AI Uses Us"; Diego Vendramini of MIB Trieste School of Management with "Does More Data Really Mean More Intelligence?"; and Paolo Della Schiava of Fincantieri with "How Does a Ship Change in the Age of Artificial Intelligence?". The project for an AI Manifesto for the Sea was also presented, with a contribution from Massimo Canali, Director of the Environment, Energy and Development Department of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

In the afternoon, focusing on the maritime applications of artificial intelligence, speakers included Leo Spina of the Trieste Harbour Master's Office, with "The Sea and the Algorithm", and Francesco Aumenta of the International Radio Medical Centre, with "If the Doctor Is Ashore, Can AI Come Aboard?". The final session explored the ethical dimensions of AI, with contributions including journalist Andrea Bulgarelli's "Is the News Ready for AI?" and lawyer Michele Grisafi's "How Fair Is AI?".

BARCOLANA TRIESTE24 GHC SANATORIO TRIESTINO – ESTE24 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP, DAY 1– An intense opening day for the Este24 European Championship, with three races completed in challenging conditions, characterised by a strengthening south-westerly wind and a significant swell. Following the morning skippers' briefing, the fleet took to the water for the first race, facing a particularly demanding course due to the sea conditions. During the second race, the wind reached 16 knots at the windward mark, increasing further to approximately 20 knots during the third race.

Kaster 24, skippered by Antonio Sodo Migliori (Yacht Club Costa Smeralda), dominated the day with three victories from three races, taking a commanding lead in the overall standings with 3 points. Behind him, tied on 10 points, were Estrella C.C.A. by Paolo Brinati (Circolo Canottieri Aniene/C.N.G.M.), second in the first and third races, and La Poderosa 2.0 by Roberto Ugolini (Circolo Nautico Guglielmo Marconi), which secured second place in the second race and third in the final race. Fourth place went to Frog by Marco Baldi (Laveno Mombello), which finished fourth in all three races. Also worth noting was the provisional sixth place of Pink Team Sanatorio Triestino GHC, helmed by Elisa Degrassi of the Lega Navale Italiana in Trieste.

Racing continues tomorrow with the second day of the championship, followed by the Stadium Race at 6.00 pm in the San Giusto Basin, where pink gennakers will provide a spectacular display against the city backdrop. Sponsor: GHC Sanatorio Triestino; partner: Associazione Italiana Classe Este24.

53RD METEOR ITALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP – DAY 3 – The third day of the Meteor Italian Championship, taking place off Grignano, was once again affected by the weather. After the first race was abandoned due to a sudden drop in wind strength, the Race Committee had to wait several hours before establishing a new racecourse. Once conditions stabilised, two races were completed, bringing the total number of valid races in the championship to four.

The provisional standings, featuring 62 classified boats, are particularly close at the top. Basilico, skippered by Matteo Sampiero (Circolo Vela Erix), leads the fleet after winning the third race and finishing second in the fourth, bringing his net score to 8 points after discarding his worst result. Just one point behind is Pekoranera Ensto by Davide Sampiero, also of Circolo Vela Erix, on 9 points, while Mauna Loa by Marco Pecorella (CRV Italia) lies third on 10 points. With just two points separating the leading three crews, the battle for the Italian title remains wide open.

The Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano crews also enjoyed a strong day: Ismo by Luca Taglialegne won the fourth race, climbing to fifth overall on 17 points, followed in sixth place by Frivolotto by Enrico Michel, third in the final race and now on 18 points.

The final day of racing is scheduled for tomorrow, when the winners of the 53rd Meteor Italian Championship will be decided.

MARINA MILITARE NASTRO ROSA VELOCE 2026 – THE SAILING TOUR OF ITALY – The first crews competing in the Marina Militare Nastro Rosa Veloce 2026 arrived in Trieste this evening. The offshore race, covering more than 1,500 nautical miles without stopping, concludes this year as part of the 58th edition of Barcolana. Team MW (Germany) was first to cross the finish line in Trieste, followed by Team Caracole RORC (France) and Team Red Dragon (United Kingdom), after a challenging non-stop race of 1,560 nautical miles aboard Figaro Bénéteau 3 yachts.

Having departed from Genoa, the crews faced a demanding route from the Ligurian Sea to the Adriatic, passing through the gates at Pisa, Amalfi and Venice, and sailing as far south as Isola delle Correnti, at the southernmost tip of Sicily, before heading north towards Trieste. Their arrival adds another highlight to the Barcolana programme, bringing the protagonists of one of the Mediterranean's most demanding offshore sailing challenges to the city.

BARCOLANA SOLARIS ADRIATIC CUP – The opening race of the third Barcolana Solaris Adriatic Cup, organised in collaboration with Yacht Club Portopiccolo, has been postponed until tomorrow, Friday 9 October. The Solaris Yachts fleet, representing the Aquileia-based boatyard and gathered at Portopiccolo for the event ahead of the Autumn Cup, will take to the water tomorrow, with the start scheduled for 2.00 pm. Racing will be held under the ORC corrected-time system.

GO TO BARCOLANA FROM RAVENNA – GRUPPO HERA TROPHY – The sixth edition of Go to Barcolana from Ravenna – Gruppo Hera Trophy set off from Marina di Ravenna this morning at 10.00 am, four hours earlier than originally scheduled. The Race Committee brought forward the start to allow crews to make the crossing in more favourable weather conditions. Sixteen boats set sail on the approximately 95-nautical-mile route from Ravenna to Trieste, in the race organised by Circolo Velico Ravennate and Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano with Gruppo Hera.

The race is the final leg of the "Go to Barcolana – Adriatic Challenge", a series of four events departing from Manfredonia, Pescara, Ancona and Ravenna, open to boats over 8.46 metres in length registered for Barcolana58. Setting off in light southerly winds and choppy seas, the first crews reached the finish line in the evening. Corsara took line honours with a time of 7 hours, 37 minutes and 22 seconds, followed by Fantastica, which completed the crossing in 8 hours, 10 minutes and 30 seconds. The ORC standings will be determined on corrected time.

GO TO BARCOLANA FROM CROATIA – A new addition to this year's programme, Go to Barcolana from Croatia officially opened today in Pula with a welcome cocktail for boat owners at the Yacht Club (partners: JK Vega / Mandrac Pula). The race will start tomorrow at 9.00 am, with mandatory gates at Rovinj and Poreč before the finish in Trieste, following a 63.3-nautical-mile course. Results will be calculated on elapsed time, with the time limit set for 12 noon on Saturday 10 October.

BARCOLANA58: EXTRAORDINARY TRANSPORT PLAN PRESENTED – Forty additional trains, increased bus services, Park&Bus facilities, enhanced ferry connections and special fares: the extraordinary transport plan for Barcolana58 presented by Generali was unveiled today, developed through collaboration between the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Municipality of Trieste, local public transport operators, Trenitalia and Trieste Airport.

The integrated system is designed to make travelling to Trieste and moving around the city easier during the event's final weekend, encouraging the use of public transport. Rail services will be significantly strengthened, with 40 additional trains providing 64,000 extra seats compared with regular services, including 32,000 on Sunday 11 October alone.

On Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October, seven Notturno Express shuttle services will also operate, replacing the TSonDemand night-time on-demand service and strengthening connections between the city centre and surrounding areas. Park&Bus will also return, with 120 reserved parking spaces at Quadrivio di Opicina, Bovedo and Piazzale delle Puglie, together with a special €1 ticket valid across the entire urban public transport network until midnight.

The plan also includes enhanced ferry services and a special parking rate of €3 for 24 hours at the P8 car park of the Trieste Airport Intermodal Hub.

"The extraordinary transport plan is a fundamental part of the organisation, as it helps make Barcolana increasingly accessible and enjoyable, while respecting the area that hosts us," said Barcolana Director Piero Zecchini, highlighting the importance of cooperation between institutions and transport operators.

BARCOLANA58: SAFETY VILLAGE INAUGURATED – The Barcolana58 presented by Generali Safety Village was inaugurated this morning in Piazza della Borsa. For the second consecutive year, it brings together institutions, law enforcement agencies and the Armed Forces in a space dedicated to prevention and the promotion of awareness and responsible behaviour.

The inauguration was attended by Giuseppe Petronzi, Prefect of Trieste; Pierpaolo Roberti, Regional Councillor; Caterina De Gavardo, Municipal Councillor; and Mitja Gialuz, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano. It also marked the launch of the collaboration with 4SAFETYFVG, the road safety project promoted by the four Automobile Clubs of Friuli Venezia Giulia with funding from the Region.

At the heart of the initiative is the theme "Knowing Your Limits", connecting safety at sea with safety on the roads and emphasising the importance of respecting rules and taking personal responsibility.

"Safety is a fundamental issue for Barcolana, and we are particularly pleased that, for the second year running, thanks to the encouragement of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and the Municipality of Trieste, there is a space entirely dedicated to this value," commented Mitja Gialuz. "The Safety Village allows us to address safety in all its dimensions, from road safety to the protection of people and the local area, highlighting the work of law enforcement agencies, the Armed Forces and all the institutions involved. Our thanks go to all of them."

OBIETTIVO TRICOLORE: ALEX ZANARDI'S PARALYMPIC RELAY REACHES ITS GRAND FINALE IN TRIESTE – The sixth edition of Obiettivo Tricolore, the major Paralympic relay created by Alex Zanardi to promote inclusion and sport as a means of overcoming barriers, concluded today in Trieste at the Barcolana58 presented by Generali Village.

Having departed from Cervia on 20 September, the relay crossed seven Italian regions before reaching Friuli Venezia Giulia, with its final stages in San Daniele del Friuli, Udine and Trieste.

Crossing the finish line in Piazza della Borsa at around 5.30 pm were para-cyclists Andrea Tarlao, bronze medallist at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games; newly crowned Italian champion Riccardo Bondavalli; and promising young athlete Giuseppe Fiorillo. They were welcomed by city authorities, representatives of the Italian Paralympic Committee, a Barcolana delegation and numerous local Paralympic athletes, including competitors in swimming, para-rowing, table tennis and shooting.

Their arrival brought the message of Obiettivo3, the project founded by Zanardi to support people with disabilities in taking up sport, to the heart of Barcolana. The closing ceremony continued at the Prosecco DOC Lounge, where athletes, institutions and organisers gathered to share their experiences and celebrate the conclusion of a journey that brought together sport, participation and inclusion.

BARCOLANA FUN – PRIZE-GIVING AND FUN PARTY – Barcolana FUN, the online challenge that has connected kitesurfers, wingfoilers and windsurfers from Italy and Slovenia for a month, concludes today at the Barcolana Village with the prize-giving ceremony and FUN Party. Competitors took part on the sea and inland waters, from lakes to lagoons, using the GPSFormula platform. The event allowed athletes to compete remotely, recording their performances and sharing their passion for wind-powered sports.

In the wingfoil category, victory went to Luka Pozar, who competed between Barcola and Torbole on Lake Garda, ahead of Francesco Cappuzzo, competing off Poetto beach in Cagliari, and Gregor Pisanac, from Barcola.

In windsurf slalom, Matej Vidmar took first place, followed by Roberto (RobyTS) and Giulio Paladini, all competing in the waters off Barcola. In windsurf foil, the entire podium was made up of competitors from Torbole on Lake Garda, with Nal Pegan finishing first ahead of Tin Pegan and Vlado Koprek.

In windsurf freeride, Roberto (RobyTS) claimed victory with performances recorded at Grado Pineta, followed by Andrej Rojec from Barcola and Simone Boragno, who competed between Genova Voltri and Chiavari.

In kitefoil, Felice De Nicolò took first place after competing on Lake Santa Croce in the Alpago area, ahead of Tommaso Feri from Marina Julia. In kitesurf twintip, Giovanni Baldassi from Grado Pineta finished first, followed by Niki Brec from Marina Julia and Sara Trink, also from Grado Pineta.

The prize-giving ceremony at the Barcolana Village celebrates the leading competitors in each discipline and the first 100 athletes to upload their GPS tracks, with dedicated awards and prizes, before the FUN Party brings participants together during the week of the main regatta.

Project partners: Reptile, Kitelife, GPSFormula, CKWI and SVBG.

BARCOLANA UN MARE DI RACCONTI – The literary series continues at Magazzino delle Idee. This afternoon, Elena Commessatti and Matteo Mantoani took to the stage with their novels set in Friuli, exploring the lives of women in the region between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and a murder in the mountains.

They were followed by Giovanni Montanaro with "Il fuoco di Venezia" (Feltrinelli), a love story that transforms Venice into a place full of possibilities for the future, and Ben Pastor with "Lo specchio del pellegrino" (Sellerio), the latest instalment in the Martin Bora series.

PROMOTURISMOFVG – TOMORROW'S EVENTS AT THE "IO SONO FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA" HOSPITALITY AREA – PromoTurismoFVG's programme at Barcolana58 also moves into full swing tomorrow, Friday 9 October, with a day dedicated to promoting the region, its culture and music at the "Io sono Friuli Venezia Giulia" hospitality area in Piazza Unità d'Italia.

At 12.45 pm, the space will be officially inaugurated in the presence of Sergio Emidio Bini, Regional Councillor for Productive Activities and Tourism. At 6.00 pm, the panel "The Enchantment of the Waterfront Castles: Miramare and Duino, Icons of the Trieste Riviera" will explore two landmarks of the region's historical and scenic heritage and their relationship with the Adriatic. Moderated by Andro Merkù, the discussion will feature Guido Comis, Director of the Historical Museum and Park of Miramare Castle, and Prince Dimitri Della Torre e Tasso, owner of Duino Castle.

At 7.45 pm, the hospitality area's terrace will become a stage for a concert by Les Babettes, the all-female swing vocal trio formed in Trieste in 2011, performing with accompanying musicians.

The "Io sono Friuli Venezia Giulia" truck will be open to the public from 10.00 am until midnight, featuring the regional wine bar's tasting area, local food products, official merchandise and the new Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional Council corner.