by InTrieste
The city of Trieste is preparing to host Barcolana56, the world’s largest sailing regatta, which will be held from October 4-13, 2024. This year’s event, titled “Positive Energy,” promises to be more open, inclusive, and sustainable than ever before, with a range of new initiatives and expanded activities.
Early Birds Get the Polo
Registrations opened on May 28, offering a host of benefits for early birds. Sailors who sign up by July 31 can take advantage of a discounted entry fee and free mooring. In a first for Barcolana, early registrants will also receive the official Murphy&Nye polo shirt delivered to their home, courtesy of GLS, the event’s new logistics partner. This service starts on June 10, allowing participants to sport their Barcolana gear throughout the summer.
A Sea of Events
Barcolana56, presented by Generali, is not just a single day of racing. It encompasses ten days of festivities, both on land and at sea, culminating in the grand regatta on October 13. This year’s event spans the coastline of Friuli Venezia Giulia, from Lignano to Grado, Aquileia, Monfalcone, and Muggia, embracing the region’s rich maritime heritage.
Sailing for Change
The regatta continues to champion significant social themes. The Generali Women in Sailing Trophy, now in its fourth edition, remains a cornerstone of the event. Emma Ursich, head of Corporate Identity and The Human Safety Net at Generali Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering a more equitable and inclusive culture through sports. “Sports are a remarkable vehicle for sharing and change,” she said, highlighting the importance of increasing mixed-gender crews in regattas.
A Sustainable Celebration
Sustainability is a central theme for this year’s Barcolana. The event will feature extensive waste sorting and measures to minimize environmental impact, supported by AcegasApsAmga. “Barcolana is increasingly a platform chosen by partners and sponsors to promote new messages and social projects,” said Mitja Gialuz, president of Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano.
Community and Culture
The festival atmosphere extends beyond the regatta itself. Piazza dell’Unità will host a series of engaging exhibits and celebrations. Notably, Wendy Schmidt returns with the Schmidt Ocean Institute to present an immersive experience on ocean health, in collaboration with WWF and Bio.Ma. ARPA will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a large meteorological station, and Solaris will commemorate its 50th with the Solaris Adriatic Cup. The Guardia di Finanza will also mark its 250th anniversary with activities at the Barcolana Sea Summit.
Inclusive Participation
In an effort to make sailing more accessible, Barcolana56 introduces the “Ticket To Race” initiative, allowing individual sailors to register and be matched with a crew of like-minded enthusiasts. “20 American sailors have already signed up,” Gialuz told us. “It will be a truly international race this year.”
Looking Ahead
As Trieste prepares to welcome over 400,000 attendees, the event’s organizers are filled with optimism. “We have only shared a fraction of the activities, initiatives, and projects currently in preparation,” Gialuz said. “We are deeply grateful to all institutions, partners, and sponsors involved. We look forward to welcoming all sailing and sea enthusiasts to Barcolana56.”
For more information and to register, visit Barcolana.
