THE LARGEST SAILING RACE IN THE WORLD
Trieste, 1 - 12 October 2025
Trieste, 1 - 12 October 2025
Barcolana - News01.08.25
Barcolana Nuota powered by Honda: registration now open
The eleventh edition of the race will take place on Sunday 5 October with the support of Honda, the event’s new naming partner.
Registration is now officially open for Barcolana Nuota powered by Honda, the open water swimming race to be held in Trieste on Sunday 5 October, as part of the 57th edition of Barcolana presented by Generali.
Organised by the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano in collaboration with US Triestina Nuoto Samer & Co. Shipping and with the support of Acqua Dolomia and Murphy&Nye, the event celebrates its eleventh edition this year, confirming its status as one of the most popular, spectacular, and representative events of Barcolana.
Born from an idea and grown thanks to passion, Barcolana Nuota has evolved into much more than just a race: it has become a symbol of the official opening of the regatta week, a collective experience that brings together professionals and amateurs, juniors and masters, Italians and international swimmers, all united by their love for sea swimming. The route winds through one of the most iconic settings in the Mediterranean, in front of Piazza Unità d’Italia and the Molo Audace, with crowds lining the waterfront and the Gulf of Trieste as the backdrop. Last year, with over 370 participants, Barcolana Nuota proved to be one of the most popular open water competitions in Italy.
The 2025 edition will take place along a nautical mile route (approximately 1,850 metres), with both start and finish located in the waters in front of Piazza Unità d’Italia. The course is designed to offer athletes an exciting experience and spectators an engaging show, as the entire race will be visible from shore. The start is scheduled for 11:30, with the prize-giving ceremony set for 14:00, also in Piazza Unità.
This year’s major new feature is the involvement of Honda, which joins the Barcolana universe as Automotive Partner and official naming sponsor of Barcolana Nuota. A prestigious addition that marks a new milestone in the event’s growth.
“Where passion meets the sea,” said Mitja Gialuz, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, “there is Barcolana. This year’s slogan encapsulates the spirit of an event that continues to expand, embracing new territories, new disciplines and new audiences. Barcolana Nuota is the epitome of this vision: it truly unites everyone, from the youngest to the most experienced swimmers, in an atmosphere of celebration and participation. It represents our gateway to the great Sea Festival that Barcolana is becoming. Honda’s involvement, as a renowned international brand, demonstrates the event’s appeal and strengthens our mission: to build bridges between people through sport and a love for water in all its forms – from the sea to the rivers and lakes of Friuli Venezia Giulia.”
“Barcolana Nuota,” said Renzo Isler, President of US Triestina Nuoto Samer & Co. Shipping, “represents for Triestina Nuoto the deep bond that has connected our club to the sea of Trieste for over 100 years, promoting inclusive sport and welcoming athletes, amateurs and non-professionals of all ages and nationalities. What began with a few enthusiasts has grown into a major national event, placing Trieste at the heart of the open water swimming world. We at Triestina Nuoto are proud to support Barcolana with our technical expertise and thank our friend Mitja Gialuz for the trust and commitment in organising this race. A final thought goes to our late athlete Luca Giustolisi, former member of the national and Olympic water polo team, who passed away prematurely.”
“We are proud to be the naming partner of Barcolana Nuota, an event that within the larger Barcolana celebration represents the perfect intersection of passion, sport and sustainability,” said Simone Mattogno, Head of Automobile at Honda Motor Europe Italia. “As a company committed to innovation and sustainable mobility, we see in Barcolana Nuotaa powerful example of how sport can be a catalyst for building an inclusive, conscious community in harmony with nature. Through our support, we aim not only to represent Honda’s values, but also to contribute actively to a better future – where sport, sustainability and inclusion drive positive change.”
Honda’s support will also take shape through the HONDA Trophy, awarded to the overall male winner. The Luca Giustolisi Trophy will be presented to the overall female winner, in memory of the late athlete and in celebration of the event’s authentic spirit. In keeping with Barcolana’s inclusive ethos, prizes will also be awarded to the top three overall male and female finishers, as well as the winners of the thirteen age categories. Special recognition will be given to the youngest and oldest athletes. After the prize-giving, all participants will be entered into a draw with surprise prizes – including the chance to watch Sunday’s regatta from a unique perspective: on board one of Barcolana’s official vessels.
Barcolana Nuota powered by Honda is open to all Open Water swimming enthusiasts born in 2015 or earlier. To take part, athletes must hold a valid medical certificate for competitive or non-competitive sports. Foreign athletes must comply with their home country’s medical regulations and possess a valid federal or equivalent membership card.
Registration is open online at www.barcolana.it at a cost of €35. The deadline for registration is Wednesday 1 October at 24:00. Late registration will be possible on Saturday 4 October at the Barcolana Infopoint with an increased fee of €50. No registrations will be accepted on race day.
All registered participants will receive operational and logistical information via email. The race pack will include the official Murphy&Nye backpack for the first 300 registrants (a canvas bag for all others), the 2025 commemorative t-shirt, a coloured swim cap (mandatory) and other materials.
The programme for Sunday 5 October includes athlete check-in and body marking from 9:00 to 10:30, followed by a technical briefing at 10:45, water entry at 11:15 and the official start at 11:30.
Barcolana Nuota perfectly exemplifies how an event can grow while staying true to its core values: sportsmanship, inclusion and a love for the sea. As Gialuz points out, it is “the best way to start the Barcolana – with enthusiasm, togetherness and a desire to take part.”
Organised by the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano in collaboration with US Triestina Nuoto Samer & Co. Shipping and with the support of Acqua Dolomia and Murphy&Nye, the event celebrates its eleventh edition this year, confirming its status as one of the most popular, spectacular, and representative events of Barcolana.
Born from an idea and grown thanks to passion, Barcolana Nuota has evolved into much more than just a race: it has become a symbol of the official opening of the regatta week, a collective experience that brings together professionals and amateurs, juniors and masters, Italians and international swimmers, all united by their love for sea swimming. The route winds through one of the most iconic settings in the Mediterranean, in front of Piazza Unità d’Italia and the Molo Audace, with crowds lining the waterfront and the Gulf of Trieste as the backdrop. Last year, with over 370 participants, Barcolana Nuota proved to be one of the most popular open water competitions in Italy.
The 2025 edition will take place along a nautical mile route (approximately 1,850 metres), with both start and finish located in the waters in front of Piazza Unità d’Italia. The course is designed to offer athletes an exciting experience and spectators an engaging show, as the entire race will be visible from shore. The start is scheduled for 11:30, with the prize-giving ceremony set for 14:00, also in Piazza Unità.
This year’s major new feature is the involvement of Honda, which joins the Barcolana universe as Automotive Partner and official naming sponsor of Barcolana Nuota. A prestigious addition that marks a new milestone in the event’s growth.
“Where passion meets the sea,” said Mitja Gialuz, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, “there is Barcolana. This year’s slogan encapsulates the spirit of an event that continues to expand, embracing new territories, new disciplines and new audiences. Barcolana Nuota is the epitome of this vision: it truly unites everyone, from the youngest to the most experienced swimmers, in an atmosphere of celebration and participation. It represents our gateway to the great Sea Festival that Barcolana is becoming. Honda’s involvement, as a renowned international brand, demonstrates the event’s appeal and strengthens our mission: to build bridges between people through sport and a love for water in all its forms – from the sea to the rivers and lakes of Friuli Venezia Giulia.”
“Barcolana Nuota,” said Renzo Isler, President of US Triestina Nuoto Samer & Co. Shipping, “represents for Triestina Nuoto the deep bond that has connected our club to the sea of Trieste for over 100 years, promoting inclusive sport and welcoming athletes, amateurs and non-professionals of all ages and nationalities. What began with a few enthusiasts has grown into a major national event, placing Trieste at the heart of the open water swimming world. We at Triestina Nuoto are proud to support Barcolana with our technical expertise and thank our friend Mitja Gialuz for the trust and commitment in organising this race. A final thought goes to our late athlete Luca Giustolisi, former member of the national and Olympic water polo team, who passed away prematurely.”
“We are proud to be the naming partner of Barcolana Nuota, an event that within the larger Barcolana celebration represents the perfect intersection of passion, sport and sustainability,” said Simone Mattogno, Head of Automobile at Honda Motor Europe Italia. “As a company committed to innovation and sustainable mobility, we see in Barcolana Nuotaa powerful example of how sport can be a catalyst for building an inclusive, conscious community in harmony with nature. Through our support, we aim not only to represent Honda’s values, but also to contribute actively to a better future – where sport, sustainability and inclusion drive positive change.”
Honda’s support will also take shape through the HONDA Trophy, awarded to the overall male winner. The Luca Giustolisi Trophy will be presented to the overall female winner, in memory of the late athlete and in celebration of the event’s authentic spirit. In keeping with Barcolana’s inclusive ethos, prizes will also be awarded to the top three overall male and female finishers, as well as the winners of the thirteen age categories. Special recognition will be given to the youngest and oldest athletes. After the prize-giving, all participants will be entered into a draw with surprise prizes – including the chance to watch Sunday’s regatta from a unique perspective: on board one of Barcolana’s official vessels.
Barcolana Nuota powered by Honda is open to all Open Water swimming enthusiasts born in 2015 or earlier. To take part, athletes must hold a valid medical certificate for competitive or non-competitive sports. Foreign athletes must comply with their home country’s medical regulations and possess a valid federal or equivalent membership card.
Registration is open online at www.barcolana.it at a cost of €35. The deadline for registration is Wednesday 1 October at 24:00. Late registration will be possible on Saturday 4 October at the Barcolana Infopoint with an increased fee of €50. No registrations will be accepted on race day.
All registered participants will receive operational and logistical information via email. The race pack will include the official Murphy&Nye backpack for the first 300 registrants (a canvas bag for all others), the 2025 commemorative t-shirt, a coloured swim cap (mandatory) and other materials.
The programme for Sunday 5 October includes athlete check-in and body marking from 9:00 to 10:30, followed by a technical briefing at 10:45, water entry at 11:15 and the official start at 11:30.
Barcolana Nuota perfectly exemplifies how an event can grow while staying true to its core values: sportsmanship, inclusion and a love for the sea. As Gialuz points out, it is “the best way to start the Barcolana – with enthusiasm, togetherness and a desire to take part.”
