by InTrieste
In a remarkable display of endurance and environmental advocacy, the Mare Nordest festival concluded on Sunday, June 16, with the triumphant arrival of the Three Nations Crossing in the waters off Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia. Sponsored by the City of Umag, Croatia, this international event underscored the unity and shared commitment of Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy to marine conservation.
The amateur sports association Mare Nordest, in collaboration with the Municipality of Trieste and the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, organized the event under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security. The festival, now a hallmark of the Upper Adriatic’s maritime calendar, continues to champion activities both in and around the sea.
This year’s theme, “A Sea Without Borders,” was vividly illustrated through a grueling swim from Punta Salvore to Trieste, undertaken by champion swimmer Silvia Boidi. Accompanied by four Croatian athletes, including Umag’s Deputy Mayor Mauro Jurman, Boidi braved the elements in a non-competitive long-distance swim. Although adverse weather conditions necessitated a reduction of the planned 27 km route to 18 km, Boidi’s arrival at 4:30 PM was met with a rapturous reception from the Mare Nordest crowd.
Her journey was safeguarded by patrol boats from the Guardia di Finanza and the Trieste Coast Guard, whose assistance was pivotal in ensuring her safe passage to the Scala Reale.
In a heartwarming demonstration of skill and bravery, rescue dogs from the Trieste Rescue Dogs Association performed a rescue simulation, showcasing their training and effectiveness in emergency situations. The festival culminated with a ceremony at the Tensostructure, where Boidi was honored for her extraordinary feat.
Reflecting on the festival’s achievements, Roberto Bolelli, General Manager of Mare Nordest, highlighted the event’s impressive statistics and hinted at exciting developments for the 2025 edition. “Involving eight nations, two academies, and four universities, with participation from 120 speakers, athletes, and guests, this event underscores Trieste’s role as a focal point for maritime culture and diving,” he said.
The festival’s success is a testament to enduring partnerships, notably with the International Academy of Underwater Sciences and Techniques, which will continue to host the prestigious Golden Trident award ceremony. This year’s honorees included Andrea Alpini, an explorer of underwater wrecks, and Marco Anzidei, a biologist dedicated to marine and coastal research, among others.
A significant highlight was the conference on Scuttling, a process involving the deliberate sinking of ships to create artificial reefs. The Trieste Naval Park project aims to enhance the Gulf of Trieste’s marine environment, providing a refuge for marine life and a dynamic laboratory for researchers.
Special guest Sergio Davì, a seasoned Sicilian navigator, added a touch of adventure to the festival, which also featured an astronomical photography exhibit and sustainable fashion show, enriching the cultural tapestry of the event.
Educational initiatives remained at the forefront, with workshops and activities for children and adults organized by leading scientific institutions, including the Universities of Trieste, Naples, Udine, and Stellenbosch, the National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics, and the National Antarctic Museum.
As the festival drew to a close, the Adriatic Nautical Academy’s presence underscored the event’s educational and cultural importance. The success of Mare Nordest is a compelling reminder of the community’s commitment to marine conservation and the celebration of the sea.
