THE LARGEST SAILING RACE IN THE WORLD
Trieste, 1 - 12 October 2025
Trieste, 1 - 12 October 2025
Barcolana - News04.10.25
Barcolana Grado Sup Experience: perfect weather and record number of participants for the third edition
Perfect weather in Grado and record participation for the third edition of the Barcolana Grado SUP Experience, organised by the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano with the support of PromoTurismoFVG, the Municipality of Grado, GIT (Grado Impianti Turistici), Lega Navale Italiana di Grado, Società Canottieri Ausonia, KitelifeFVG, Wild SUP, and with the support of Acqua Dolomia, Despar Nord, Trenitalia Regionale and Ferrarini.
The event recorded unprecedented numbers, with more than 200 participants, including over 30 children and 60 women, taking part in an inclusive competition open to everyone – from professional athletes to enthusiasts. The start took place from the Imperial Beach of Grado, following a briefing led by Mitja Gialuz, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, and ambassador Caterina Stenta, who presented the new event regulations.
Two routes were planned: a short 4 km race for amateurs, along the classic course, and a new 7 km competitive course featuring a scenic entry into the lagoon and a lap around the island of Schiusa.
Between sport, fun and community spirit, there was also a symbolic moment: the presence of the historic sailing boat Blue Eyed Princess, winner of the 1985 Barcolana, present in Grado as a tribute to the bond between the sailing regatta and the great SUP festival.
“Barcolana Grado SUP Experience,” said Mitja Gialuz, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, “has achieved an extraordinary result: in just two years, participation has grown from 60 to 200 entries, exceeding all expectations and setting a new record. The atmosphere is exhilarating, enriched by the presence of many children and enthusiasts who have chosen to experience the Barcolana in different ways. This great turnout confirms the value of the event and our commitment to involving more and more people. Viva la Barcolana Grado!”
On the sporting front, victory in the 7 km route went to Daniele Cani from Bologna, followed by Slovenians Bojan Bernard and Rok Puvar. The first woman and seventh overall was Romina Mariotto, representing the Wild SUPassociation.
In the 4 km classic course, victory went once again to Mauro Feltrin, winner of the two previous editions, followed by Gregorio Zanatta and Ezio Ferin. The first woman and twelfth overall was Croatian Antonija Frković.
Vice President Dean Bassi highlighted the determination of the youngest participants: “The first child in the rankings,” he said, “is named Val and comes from Opatija, Croatia. For him it was a natural race – he’s used to being on his SUP all year round. This bond with the sea is wonderful, and Barcolana’s mission is precisely to nurture and sustain it.”
The awards ceremony took place in the afternoon at the Antiche Terme di Grado, on the GIT beach at 3:00 p.m., accompanied by the traditional pasta party and followed by a DJ set by Alex Neri, with a large and enthusiastic turnout of both athletes and spectators.
The event recorded unprecedented numbers, with more than 200 participants, including over 30 children and 60 women, taking part in an inclusive competition open to everyone – from professional athletes to enthusiasts. The start took place from the Imperial Beach of Grado, following a briefing led by Mitja Gialuz, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, and ambassador Caterina Stenta, who presented the new event regulations.
Two routes were planned: a short 4 km race for amateurs, along the classic course, and a new 7 km competitive course featuring a scenic entry into the lagoon and a lap around the island of Schiusa.
Between sport, fun and community spirit, there was also a symbolic moment: the presence of the historic sailing boat Blue Eyed Princess, winner of the 1985 Barcolana, present in Grado as a tribute to the bond between the sailing regatta and the great SUP festival.
“Barcolana Grado SUP Experience,” said Mitja Gialuz, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, “has achieved an extraordinary result: in just two years, participation has grown from 60 to 200 entries, exceeding all expectations and setting a new record. The atmosphere is exhilarating, enriched by the presence of many children and enthusiasts who have chosen to experience the Barcolana in different ways. This great turnout confirms the value of the event and our commitment to involving more and more people. Viva la Barcolana Grado!”
On the sporting front, victory in the 7 km route went to Daniele Cani from Bologna, followed by Slovenians Bojan Bernard and Rok Puvar. The first woman and seventh overall was Romina Mariotto, representing the Wild SUPassociation.
In the 4 km classic course, victory went once again to Mauro Feltrin, winner of the two previous editions, followed by Gregorio Zanatta and Ezio Ferin. The first woman and twelfth overall was Croatian Antonija Frković.
Vice President Dean Bassi highlighted the determination of the youngest participants: “The first child in the rankings,” he said, “is named Val and comes from Opatija, Croatia. For him it was a natural race – he’s used to being on his SUP all year round. This bond with the sea is wonderful, and Barcolana’s mission is precisely to nurture and sustain it.”
The awards ceremony took place in the afternoon at the Antiche Terme di Grado, on the GIT beach at 3:00 p.m., accompanied by the traditional pasta party and followed by a DJ set by Alex Neri, with a large and enthusiastic turnout of both athletes and spectators.
