The Barcolana in Trieste is the largest regatta in the world. This year, the 57th Barcolana is set to take place from 3rd to 12th October. It brings with it a full week of events and shows dedicated to the world of sailing, bringing the entire city to life.

The first time you set sail is always an unforgettable experience. If it sparks something inside you, it may well go down in memory as the beginning of a great passion. The sound of the wind on the sails, the gentle lapping of the water against the bow, the rustle of the sheets sliding through your hands: sailing is wind, balance and direction.

No engine, no rush, but that first glide, when the boat tilts and picks up speed, even in inexperienced hands, is an unforgettable mix of adrenaline and a sense of peace.

There’s a Greek proverb that says ‘You can’t change the direction of the wind, but you can adjust your sails’. Sailing embodies precisely this, because it’s not just a matter of sport, but of philosophy, connection and choices.

The Barcolana in Trieste

Trieste’s Barcolana is the largest regatta in the world, with an official Guinness World Record of 2,689 boats recorded in 2018. Whilst 12th October is the official date for this year’s regatta, Barcolana Week offers sailing-related events and shows kicking off on 3rd October.

• Race location: all boats depart together from the Gulf of Trieste, directly in front of the Audace pier (near the city centre). The course is visible from the coast, making it a spectacular sight for those watching from land. The route is a quadrilateral marked by four buoys, approximately 13 nautical miles (24 km) long, starting near Miramare Castle and continuing to the Porto Vecchio breakwater.                              
• Who can take part? Anyone with a sailing boat (compliant with safety regulations). You do not need to be a professional. Accepted vessels are:

1. Cabin cruisers                                                                                                 
2. Maxi racing yachts
3. Clubs                                                                                                                                  
4. International crews

• Classes: boats are grouped into size categories (length overall – LOA). There are winners by class, as well as an overall ranking (first to cross the finish line).
• How to register: registration is online (on the barcolana.it website). The fee varies based on the length of the boat. Upon arrival, each participant receives the official kit, a numbered flag to display and the event booklet.

Not just a regatta, but a week-long festival in a remarkable city

During Barcolana Week, a whole host of events are put on across the city, alongside smaller regattas. You can enjoy concerts, talk shows, exhibitions, performances, and food and wine stands, primarily in Piazza Unità d’Italia and along the Rive di Trieste seafront.

Trieste is known as the city of the Bora, a cold, fierce wind blowing from the northeast, making it a perfect hotspot for regattas. Situated between Italy and Central Europe, it was founded as a former port of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and retains a Central European elegance evident in its neoclassical buildings, historic cafés and cosmopolitan culture. Once the home of writers such as Svevo, Saba and Joyce, the city holds a romantic quality that will easily charm you. 

Not to be missed: Piazza Unità d’Italia, overlooking the sea, Miramare Castle, immersed in greenery, the Cathedral of San Giusto and the Grand Canal.