by MK
As Barcolana 2024 kicks off in Trieste, renowned philanthropist and ocean conservationist Wendy Schmidt returns to the Adriatic shores for her third participation in the world’s largest regatta. Fresh off her 2022 win with Deep Blue, Schmidt continues her mission to merge her passion for sailing with a commitment to protecting the world’s oceans. In this exclusive interview, Schmidt shares her thoughts on Trieste’s unique bond with the sea, her ongoing efforts in marine conservation, and the future of the Barcolana regatta.
MK: We’re so excited to have you back in Trieste for Barcolana 2024! What motivates you to return each year?
Wendy Schmidt: The first time we came here, we were astonished by the beauty of the city, the friendliness of the people, and how the city reaches out to the sea. It’s a unique place. One of our sailors on the team lives here, and that’s how we first came. When we won Barcolana, something no one expected, the city opened its arms to us and was so generous. We wanted to give something back, and we thought, “This is how sailing ought to be.” When you come to a community, you should engage with it and leave something meaningful behind.
A lot of our philanthropic work is focused on ocean health, so we partnered with Bioma and made a gift to support education for young people and outreach at Barcolana. Tomorrow, we’re visiting to learn about an underwater sound study they’ve been conducting, which was made possible by part of our grant. It’s exciting to catch up!
We also wanted to have a presence in the Deep Blue Exploration Zone to share the work we do beyond our time here. Barcolana draws half a million people, all of them connected to the sea in some way. We want to show people that what’s beyond the ocean’s surface—the life below it—is most of life on Earth. Connecting the dots between life on land and in the sea is crucial, and a place like Trieste offers a beautiful opportunity to open people’s eyes to a different way of living, which is something the world needs.
MK: The city is indeed grateful for all you’ve done. This is your third Barcolana, correct?
Wendy Schmidt: Yes, this is my third visit.
MK: Will you be participating in the regatta this year?
Wendy Schmidt: That remains to be seen! We had such a perfect experience when we won—the conditions were ideal. You need to be good, but you also need to be lucky, and we were both. It’s hard to imagine trying to recreate that experience; it remains one of the pinnacles of our sailing career.
MK: That sounds incredible! How long have you been sailing?
Wendy Schmidt: I started sailing in 2007, so about 15 years. Sailing with a team for all this time and winning the largest sailboat race in the world, in a community that loves the ocean, was an unforgettable experience.
MK: You mentioned that Trieste is a special place for you. How do you see it connecting to ocean preservation?
Wendy Schmidt: Trieste has always been connected to the ocean. Many people here sail, and marine conservation feels woven into the culture. It’s a perfect place for what the world needs moving forward—a deeper connection to the sea.
Trieste has long been a crossroads for cultures and ideas, and the ocean was the highway until land transport developed. This city embodies a special relationship with the ocean, which has become stressed in my lifetime. We need to repair that. We’re taking too much from the ocean and not giving enough back.
MK: What’s the most important message you’d like to share with the people of Trieste and the world?
Wendy Schmidt: It’s time to rethink how we use materials on land and make the connection between land and sea. I would ask everyone to stop using single-use plastics—there’s simply no reason for them. Consider the packaging you use, what you buy, and where the waste goes. Our actions on land have a direct impact on the ocean, and it’s crucial to change that relationship.
