THE LARGEST SAILING RACE IN THE WORLD
Trieste, 1 - 12 October 2025
Trieste, 1 - 12 October 2025
Barcolana - News30.07.25
Third edition of Barcolana Grado SUP Experience announced
On saturday 4 october the lagoon of grado comes alive with an event dedicated to the world of sup. This year’s big news is the introduction of a second course designed for competitive athletes, while the traditional route for amateurs remains unchanged.
Registrations are open at barcolana.it until 3 October 2025.
Registrations are open at barcolana.it until 3 October 2025.
The Barcolana Grado SUP Experience returns for its third edition in an extended “maxi” format. The event marks the end of the summer season in the “City of the Sun” and is one of the flagship sporting events in the lead-up to the Barcolana, the world’s largest regatta, taking place in Trieste from 1 to 12 October. As interest in SUP continues to grow in Italy – both as a leisure activity and a competitive sport – so too does the event, which this year introduces a second course for competitive paddlers, while maintaining the traditional route for amateurs.
Organised by the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano with the SUPport of the Municipality of Grado, G.I.T. (Grado Impianti Turistici), the Grado branch of the Italian Naval League, the Canottieri Ausonia Rowing Club and Wild SUP, the Barcolana Grado SUP Experience features two separate routes: one of approximately 4 km, retaining the traditional format for amateur participants, and a new 7 km route designed for more experienced athletes. Both routes start from the Spiaggia Imperiale, skirt around the Isola d’Oro, follow the canal, and finish in the picturesque Mandracchio – the historic heart of Grado’s Venetian quarter. The competitive route also includes an additional clockwise loop around the island of Schiusa, adding distance and challenge to the race and immersing participants even further in the beauty of the lagoon.
Two dedicated villages at the start and finish will welcome participants with services, music, and a lively, friendly atmosphere.
“Barcolana Grado SUP Experience,” said Mitja Gialuz, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, “is a fast-growing event, full of enthusiasm and participation. We created it together with the Municipality and GIT, who believed in it from the start, and we’re promoting and developing it further thanks to the essential support of PromoTurismoFVG. What we love about it is that it speaks to everyone – enthusiasts, athletes, the simply curious – and it takes place in a setting that is perfect for enjoying sport in an accessible and authentic way. By offering two routes, we wanted to cater to all abilities and make the experience even more engaging, because our goal isn’t just about increasing numbers but about building a community that shares this experience and returns year after year to this extraordinary location.”
“Three editions mark an important milestone,” commented Giuseppe Corbatto, Mayor of Grado, “and the Barcolana Grado SUP Experience has become a well-established event in our region. Grado is the perfect setting: a welcoming town, ideal for outdoor sports and committed to sustainability. SUP has virtually zero environmental impact, and its respect for the marine and lagoon ecosystem, along with its focus on well-being, makes it a model event. We’re delighted to welcome athletes, families, and enthusiasts who, through this event, will discover – or rediscover – the beauty of our town.”
Roberto Marin, President of G.I.T. (Grado Impianti Turistici), also expressed his enthusiasm:
“Barcolana has picked up on the signals from the region and created a genuine synergy. This year, together with the Municipality and the Grado Tourism Consortium, we’ve strengthened our involvement: we’ll also be present at the Barcolana Village with a stand to promote the new Terme di Grado brand. Moreover, on 4 October we’ll celebrate the end of the tourist season, offering participants and the public a festival combining sport, promotion and sociability. A big thank you to all those involved – our shared goal is to see this event grow even further, and it has already become a true point of reference.”
Franco Bertoli, President of the Lega Navale Grado, proudly emphasised the association’s participation in an event that unites enthusiasts in the true Barcolana spirit, while Ivan Chiusso of the Canottieri Ausonia Rowing Club conveyed greetings from President Andrea Tessarin, reaffirming their pleasure in supporting such a significant event and their commitment to strengthening their involvement over time.
“Barcolana is a great platform that brings together a wide variety of organisations,” added Giovanni Baldassi, President of Kitelife, “and Grado is a fantastic showcase for promoting water sports, especially among young people. The course will be exciting and a real spectacle for spectators too. We’ll be out on the water ourselves, with enthusiasm and a spirit of inclusion.”
“Taking part in the Barcolana Grado SUP Experience is an honour,” concluded Romina Mariotto of Wild SUP, “and it’s an extraordinary opportunity to give this sport the visibility it deserves. We’re delighted to work alongside the other associations and can’t wait to get on the water to share our passion and have fun.”
PromoTurismoFVG’s support – once again fundamental to this edition – is provided under the “Io sono Friuli Venezia Giulia” brand, confirming the importance of fostering synergy between sporting events and the integrated promotion of the region.
“Through PromoTurismoFVG,” said Sergio Emidio Bini, Regional Councillor for Economic Development and Tourism, “the Region is keen to make the most of the Barcolana effect – a strong and internationally recognised brand – to present and promote the entire Friuli Venezia Giulia coastline as a single destination. Last year we already expanded the calendar of events to include not only Trieste but also seaside resorts. The return of the Barcolana SUP Experience this year is an important opportunity for Grado, especially in light of the warm response to last year’s edition and the growing popularity of SUP among sea lovers. Thanks to the synergy between the Region and Barcolana, we are seeing positive outcomes that boost tourism across the entire Friuli Venezia Giulia region.”
The event on Saturday 4 October will kick off at 8:00 AM with participant check-in at the Spiaggia Imperiale. This year, too, the event will be graced by its patron, Caterina Stenta – multiple world champion in SUP, windsurfing, and mountain running – who will welcome participants.
The skippers' meeting is scheduled for 9:30 AM, with a single start for both categories at 10:00 AM, in true “Barcolana style”. Following the race, the programme includes the awards ceremony and the now traditional beachside pasta party.
Registrations are open online at www.barcolana.it and will remain active until 8:00 PM on Friday 3 October. Participation fees are €40 for the technical race and €25 for the amateur race.
Organised by the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano with the SUPport of the Municipality of Grado, G.I.T. (Grado Impianti Turistici), the Grado branch of the Italian Naval League, the Canottieri Ausonia Rowing Club and Wild SUP, the Barcolana Grado SUP Experience features two separate routes: one of approximately 4 km, retaining the traditional format for amateur participants, and a new 7 km route designed for more experienced athletes. Both routes start from the Spiaggia Imperiale, skirt around the Isola d’Oro, follow the canal, and finish in the picturesque Mandracchio – the historic heart of Grado’s Venetian quarter. The competitive route also includes an additional clockwise loop around the island of Schiusa, adding distance and challenge to the race and immersing participants even further in the beauty of the lagoon.
Two dedicated villages at the start and finish will welcome participants with services, music, and a lively, friendly atmosphere.
“Barcolana Grado SUP Experience,” said Mitja Gialuz, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, “is a fast-growing event, full of enthusiasm and participation. We created it together with the Municipality and GIT, who believed in it from the start, and we’re promoting and developing it further thanks to the essential support of PromoTurismoFVG. What we love about it is that it speaks to everyone – enthusiasts, athletes, the simply curious – and it takes place in a setting that is perfect for enjoying sport in an accessible and authentic way. By offering two routes, we wanted to cater to all abilities and make the experience even more engaging, because our goal isn’t just about increasing numbers but about building a community that shares this experience and returns year after year to this extraordinary location.”
“Three editions mark an important milestone,” commented Giuseppe Corbatto, Mayor of Grado, “and the Barcolana Grado SUP Experience has become a well-established event in our region. Grado is the perfect setting: a welcoming town, ideal for outdoor sports and committed to sustainability. SUP has virtually zero environmental impact, and its respect for the marine and lagoon ecosystem, along with its focus on well-being, makes it a model event. We’re delighted to welcome athletes, families, and enthusiasts who, through this event, will discover – or rediscover – the beauty of our town.”
Roberto Marin, President of G.I.T. (Grado Impianti Turistici), also expressed his enthusiasm:
“Barcolana has picked up on the signals from the region and created a genuine synergy. This year, together with the Municipality and the Grado Tourism Consortium, we’ve strengthened our involvement: we’ll also be present at the Barcolana Village with a stand to promote the new Terme di Grado brand. Moreover, on 4 October we’ll celebrate the end of the tourist season, offering participants and the public a festival combining sport, promotion and sociability. A big thank you to all those involved – our shared goal is to see this event grow even further, and it has already become a true point of reference.”
Franco Bertoli, President of the Lega Navale Grado, proudly emphasised the association’s participation in an event that unites enthusiasts in the true Barcolana spirit, while Ivan Chiusso of the Canottieri Ausonia Rowing Club conveyed greetings from President Andrea Tessarin, reaffirming their pleasure in supporting such a significant event and their commitment to strengthening their involvement over time.
“Barcolana is a great platform that brings together a wide variety of organisations,” added Giovanni Baldassi, President of Kitelife, “and Grado is a fantastic showcase for promoting water sports, especially among young people. The course will be exciting and a real spectacle for spectators too. We’ll be out on the water ourselves, with enthusiasm and a spirit of inclusion.”
“Taking part in the Barcolana Grado SUP Experience is an honour,” concluded Romina Mariotto of Wild SUP, “and it’s an extraordinary opportunity to give this sport the visibility it deserves. We’re delighted to work alongside the other associations and can’t wait to get on the water to share our passion and have fun.”
PromoTurismoFVG’s support – once again fundamental to this edition – is provided under the “Io sono Friuli Venezia Giulia” brand, confirming the importance of fostering synergy between sporting events and the integrated promotion of the region.
“Through PromoTurismoFVG,” said Sergio Emidio Bini, Regional Councillor for Economic Development and Tourism, “the Region is keen to make the most of the Barcolana effect – a strong and internationally recognised brand – to present and promote the entire Friuli Venezia Giulia coastline as a single destination. Last year we already expanded the calendar of events to include not only Trieste but also seaside resorts. The return of the Barcolana SUP Experience this year is an important opportunity for Grado, especially in light of the warm response to last year’s edition and the growing popularity of SUP among sea lovers. Thanks to the synergy between the Region and Barcolana, we are seeing positive outcomes that boost tourism across the entire Friuli Venezia Giulia region.”
The event on Saturday 4 October will kick off at 8:00 AM with participant check-in at the Spiaggia Imperiale. This year, too, the event will be graced by its patron, Caterina Stenta – multiple world champion in SUP, windsurfing, and mountain running – who will welcome participants.
The skippers' meeting is scheduled for 9:30 AM, with a single start for both categories at 10:00 AM, in true “Barcolana style”. Following the race, the programme includes the awards ceremony and the now traditional beachside pasta party.
Registrations are open online at www.barcolana.it and will remain active until 8:00 PM on Friday 3 October. Participation fees are €40 for the technical race and €25 for the amateur race.
