by InTrieste
It was a perfect Friday afternoon on the Gulf of Trieste, with just enough wind to prepare for one of the world’s largest sailing races, the Barcolana regatta, scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday. Among the boats cutting through the waters was the Night Shadow, a Maxi yacht with an international crew, gearing up for the Barcolana Maxi Trofeo Portopiccolo — a key event leading up to the main race.
The Barcolana Maxi Trofeo Portopiccolo, an event within the broader Barcolana in Trieste, is organized by the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano and the Yacht Club Portopiccolo, under the authority of the Italian Sailing Federation. This prestigious competition is reserved for yachts over 16 meters in length, blending high-level sport with the glamour of Trieste’s unique maritime setting.
On board the Night Shadow, the spirit of international collaboration was palpable. “We are a very international team, and diversity is what makes us stronger,” said skipper David Mizrahi as the boat sailed smoothly across the gulf. The crew, hailing from various corners of the world, embodied a mix of zest and skill, demonstrating how teamwork can fuel success on the water.
Bradley Ransom, originally from the U.K., explained the intricacies of sailing a Maxi boat. “We are a Maxi, which means we’re more than 16 meters long. The last couple of days, we’ve raced alongside professional sailors, and it’s been truly amazing,” Ransom said, beaming with enthusiasm.
Among the crew was Jacqueline Hürlimann, one of three women on board, originally from South Africa. “I’m the foredeck, so I’m always at the front hoisting and dropping the sails,” she said. “We work great together—I’m really lucky.” Her words echoed the camaraderie and shared respect that drives the Night Shadow forward.
At the helm of strategy was Marco Bodini, a native of Trieste, serving as the tactician. His deep local knowledge proved invaluable during Friday’s regatta, as the Night Shadow maneuvered through both calm and intense moments with a precision that reflected hours of preparation. From complete silence to fast, dramatic bursts of action, Budini kept the team on track.
By the end of the day, the Night Shadow secured third place overall in the Maxi Boat regatta — an impressive feat for a team drawn from across the globe. The performance was a testament to the crew’s dedication and synergy, laying the groundwork for their participation in Sunday’s grand race.
The Barcolana Maxi Trofeo Portopiccolo, blending elite sailing with the vibrant maritime culture of Trieste, offers more than just competition. It captures the essence of the Barcolana itself: an event where sailors from all backgrounds converge to celebrate the sea, their craft, and the thrill of competition. As the Night Shadow’s crew reflects on their achievements this week, they are ready to set sail once more — this time in pursuit of glory in the world’s largest sailing race.
