THE LARGEST SAILING RACE IN THE WORLD
Trieste, 2 - 11 October 2026
Trieste, 2 - 11 October 2026
Barcolana - News14.10.26
Barcolana58 presented by Generali: the figures behind a remarkable edition
550,000 visitors recorded across the area, 1,858 boats entered in the Autumn Cup and 21,000 people at sea. More than 500 events across over 100 locations, a 67% separate waste collection rate and record rail passenger numbers. Almost 3,000 media reports.
A great celebration of the sea, sailing and the city, bringing together thousands of people on the water and ashore, reaching new locations and mobilising a complex organisational operation. The Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano has presented the first figures for Barcolana58 presented by Generali, which concluded on Sunday 11 October with the 58th Autumn Cup. These initial results reflect the sporting, cultural and organisational scale of the event.
According to figures collected by Just One Earth, approximately 550,000 visits were recorded across the area between 1 and 12 October, with 62% concentrated on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October. A total of 1,858 boats entered the regatta, with 21,000 people at sea, while 3,482 participants took part in 22 additional events on the water. The overall programme featured more than 500 events across over 100 locations in Trieste and the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. In terms of transport, Trenitalia recorded an all-time high of 70,000 passengers, while Trieste Trasporti carried more than 400,000 passengers on its regular services between 9 and 11 October. Media coverage also increased, with 2,923 reports published between 1 and 13 October, approximately 50% more than in 2025, and over 12 million views of content published on social media.
“Barcolana58 shows us an event that successfully brings together many different dimensions: the great regatta, sporting activities, culture, young people's participation and the involvement of the city,” commented Mitja Gialuz, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano. “This year, we have worked to give even greater meaning to Be Barcolana: not simply taking part in an event, but feeling part of a community. The expansion into the Borgo Teresiano district, the contribution of associations and cultural organisations, the presence of the Amerigo Vespucci and the many initiatives dedicated to the sea have enriched an event that continues to place sailing at its heart while opening itself up to new audiences and different forms of expression. These initial figures are encouraging, but they also remind us how important it is to continue improving the quality of our organisation, managing visitor flows and maintaining a balance between the event and the city. I would like to thank the institutions, law enforcement agencies, sailing clubs, associations, volunteers, Generali and all our partners who helped make this edition possible, together with the people of Trieste and the thousands of visitors who chose to be part of it.”
THE REGATTA – A total of 1,858 boats entered the 58th Autumn Cup, held on Sunday 11 October in the Gulf of Trieste, with 21,000 people at sea during the regatta. The fleet once again demonstrated the international character of the event: 286 registration contacts were from abroad, representing approximately 16% of the total, while 644 were from Trieste, accounting for around 35%. The most represented foreign countries were Slovenia, with 89 entries, Austria with 60, Croatia with 42, Germany with 35 and Switzerland with 17.
The regatta took place in favourable weather conditions, with a particularly technical race that saw some of Trieste's leading sailors battling at the front of the fleet. Victory went to Arca SGR of the Fast and Furio Sailing Team, skippered by Furio Benussi, which crossed the finish line first in 1 hour, 5 minutes and 9 seconds, followed by Prosecco DOC Shockwave3 and Marta07.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS AT SEA – Between 3 and 11 October, 22 events were held on the water, attracting a total of 3,482 participants. The programme spanned different disciplines, generations and locations, from Barcolana Young for Optimist sailors to the Barcolana Grado SUP Experience, from Barcolana Nuota powered by Honda Trofeo Luca Giustolisi to the Meteor, Este 24 and Maxi class regattas, as well as initiatives promoting social inclusion through sailing.
The organisation of these activities involved 235 people from the Italian Sailing Federation, sailing clubs, partners and organisations working alongside Barcolana. Their contribution was essential to delivering a wide-ranging sporting programme that complemented the Autumn Cup with competitive events and initiatives open to people who enjoy the sea through different disciplines.
The three Go to Barcolana feeder regattas from Slovenia, Ravenna and Croatia also played an important role, with the Croatian event introduced for the first time in 2026. A total of 81 boats entered: 41 from Slovenia, 27 from Ravenna and 13 from Croatia, with 51 boats reaching Trieste. The initiative strengthens the connections between Trieste and other sailing communities along the Adriatic.
SHORESIDE EVENTS AND THE CITY – The overall Barcolana58 programme featured more than 500 events across over 100 different locations, on land, at sea, on lakes and in lagoons, involving Trieste and several other locations throughout Friuli Venezia Giulia. Alongside the sporting activities, a programme of exhibitions, performances, talks, music, literature, science outreach and family events brought the city to life in the lead-up to the Autumn Cup.
One of the most significant results was the involvement of the local community. The “Candida il tuo evento” (Submit Your Event) open call received more than 110 applications, of which 91 were accepted, providing a platform for initiatives developed by associations, cultural organisations, artists, businesses and residents.
Through Be Community, Barcolana also consolidated the initiative launched in the Borgo Cavana district in 2025, extending it to Borgo Teresiano this year. A total of 109 local businesses and organisations joined the project across the two districts: 54 in Cavana and 55 in Borgo Teresiano. Both districts became an integral part of the event, hosting music, workshops, performances, tastings and activities throughout their streets and squares.
The programme included more than 40 musical events and the return of Barcolana Un Mare di Racconti, now in its eighth edition, with 18 literary events over six days at Casa della Musica. Barcolana also continued to involve the city's neighbourhoods, bringing cultural and sporting activities beyond the city centre.
BARCOLANA AI SEA SUMMIT – Among the new features of Barcolana58 was the inaugural Barcolana AI Sea Summit, organised with the support of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional Government. Held on Thursday 8 October at MIB Trieste School of Management, the event brought together approximately 200 participants for a day exploring the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence applied to the sea and the blue economy.
The programme featured 16 talks organised around three themes – “Understanding AI”, “How Fast AI Is Advancing” and “AI and the Sea” – bringing together researchers, experts, institutional representatives and business leaders to discuss innovation, maritime safety, the protection of marine ecosystems and the ethical implications of new technologies.
The event also marked the beginning of work on the Trieste Manifesto for Artificial Intelligence and Marine Sustainability, alongside the launch of a hackathon dedicated to developing innovative solutions for the marine environment. Applications remain open until December 2026, with a total prize fund of €9,000. This new initiative has further strengthened Barcolana's role as a meeting point for sport, research, technology and maritime culture.
THE BARCOLANA VILLAGE – The Village also took on a new look, with larger exhibition spaces and multi-level structures. A total of 210 container modules were used, while 100 exhibitors took part across the Village and Fuori Villaggio areas. These were complemented by 62 temporary structures and three large food and catering areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT – An extraordinary effort was made to keep the city clean throughout Barcolana58. AcegasApsAmga, supported by ITS Ecologia, stepped up waste collection and street-cleaning services in the areas involved in the event, deploying 24 vehicles and up to 45 staff members on the busiest days. From Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October, cleaning and waste removal services operated around the clock.
To encourage separate waste collection, more than 200 additional waste containers were installed throughout the Village, alongside almost 300 containers provided to exhibitors. The system was designed to make it easier to dispose of waste correctly, supported by a dedicated packaging waste collection service during the Village's set-up and dismantling phases.
At the Barcolana Village, separate waste collection reached 67%, up from 62% in 2025 and 61% in 2024. This five-percentage-point improvement on the previous edition was achieved against a backdrop of high attendance: according to Just One Earth, approximately 550,000 visits were recorded across the area between 1 and 12 October, with 62% concentrated on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October.
Despite an overall increase in the volume of waste collected, preliminary figures, which are still being consolidated, show a higher proportion of plastic and glass waste and a lower percentage of general waste. This confirms the effectiveness of the waste management arrangements and the additional collection facilities provided throughout the area.
MARITIME LOGISTICS – A complex organisational operation ensured that boats were welcomed and assisted throughout the event. The Follow Me team managed 562 moorings and approximately 1,200 boat movements during Barcolana.
A total of 33 recovery operations were carried out, 32 by the Follow Me team and one jointly with Zulu. The Follow Me and Logistic Support services, together with related activities, involved 116 people: 22 Follow Me operators, 13 Logistic Support personnel, including staff and volunteers, and 81 students from Trieste's Nautical Institute. Their contribution combined professional expertise, volunteering and practical training.
THE ORGANISATIONAL TEAM – A total of 1,387 people were involved in delivering Barcolana58 presented by Generali, including organisers, operational staff, volunteers, collaborators and service personnel. This extensive operation brought together the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, partners, institutions, associations and the many organisations that contribute to making the event possible each year.
TRANSPORT: RECORD FIGURES FOR TRENITALIA – Rail transport recorded particularly significant results. Trenitalia carried 70,000 passengers during Barcolana58, an all-time record and an increase of 6,000 passengers compared with 2025.
On Saturday 10 October alone, passenger numbers rose by 15% compared with the previous year. To meet the exceptionally high demand, an additional late-night train was introduced on Saturday, supplementing the services already scheduled.
TRIESTE TRASPORTI: OVER 400,000 PASSENGERS DURING THE WEEKEND – Between 9 and 11 October, more than 400,000 passengers travelled on Trieste Trasporti's regular services. On Sunday 11 October, passenger numbers were 33.46% higher than the average for Sundays during the winter working timetable.
To accommodate the increased demand, 247 additional services were operated, rising to 291 when the dedicated Barcolana shuttle service is included. Services on routes 4, 42 and 64 were also increased, while route 36 was temporarily reinstated.
The Park&Bus service, available on 9, 10 and 11 October at the Bovedo, Opicina crossroads and Piazzale delle Puglie car parks, also performed well. Visitors could park their cars and travel on the local public transport network throughout the day for €1, with free travel for holders of Trieste urban network season tickets. A total of 1,241 tickets were sold, 62% more than the 765 recorded in 2025: 606 at Opicina, 455 at Bovedo and 180 at Piazzale delle Puglie.
On the evenings of Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October, seven Notturno Express night bus routes were also introduced, accessible using standard tickets and season passes. A total of 74 services operated between 10 pm and 4 am, carrying 4,551 passengers. The Muggia route was the busiest, with 2,690 passengers, followed by Baiamonti–San Vito with 559, San Giovanni with 384, Opicina with 305, Aurisina with 218, Cattinara with 206 and Barcola with 189.
AMERIGO VESPUCCI – One of the highlights of Barcolana58 was the visit of the Amerigo Vespucci, the event's guest of honour, which called at Trieste from 8 to 12 October for the final stop of the Vespucci World Tour – North America Campaign 2026. Thanks to the collaboration with Difesa Servizi, the ship became one of the edition's major attractions. During its stay in the city, the ship and the Villaggio IN Italia welcomed more than 75,000 visitors, helping to strengthen the relationship between Barcolana, the Italian defence sector, the Italian Navy and Italy's maritime heritage.
EDUCATION AND YOUNG PEOPLE – Initiatives dedicated to discovering and protecting the sea also attracted considerable interest. The immersive gallery The Ocean in Me, installed in Piazza Unità d'Italia with the support of Wendy Schmidt, recorded more than 20,000 visits, offering audiences an experience combining images, sound and scientific content dedicated to the oceans.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA COVERAGE – Barcolana58 recorded a significant increase in media visibility. Between 1 and 13 October, 2,923 media reports were recorded, including 2,487 online and 436 in offline media. This represents an increase of approximately 50% compared with the 1,948 reports recorded in 2025.
Social media results were equally positive: between 30 September and 11 October, published content generated more than 12 million views, an increase of 50% compared with the previous edition.
These figures confirm Barcolana's ability to attract attention well beyond the regatta itself, telling the stories of sport, the city, cultural initiatives, sustainability, innovation and the people who make Barcolana what it is.
According to figures collected by Just One Earth, approximately 550,000 visits were recorded across the area between 1 and 12 October, with 62% concentrated on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October. A total of 1,858 boats entered the regatta, with 21,000 people at sea, while 3,482 participants took part in 22 additional events on the water. The overall programme featured more than 500 events across over 100 locations in Trieste and the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. In terms of transport, Trenitalia recorded an all-time high of 70,000 passengers, while Trieste Trasporti carried more than 400,000 passengers on its regular services between 9 and 11 October. Media coverage also increased, with 2,923 reports published between 1 and 13 October, approximately 50% more than in 2025, and over 12 million views of content published on social media.
“Barcolana58 shows us an event that successfully brings together many different dimensions: the great regatta, sporting activities, culture, young people's participation and the involvement of the city,” commented Mitja Gialuz, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano. “This year, we have worked to give even greater meaning to Be Barcolana: not simply taking part in an event, but feeling part of a community. The expansion into the Borgo Teresiano district, the contribution of associations and cultural organisations, the presence of the Amerigo Vespucci and the many initiatives dedicated to the sea have enriched an event that continues to place sailing at its heart while opening itself up to new audiences and different forms of expression. These initial figures are encouraging, but they also remind us how important it is to continue improving the quality of our organisation, managing visitor flows and maintaining a balance between the event and the city. I would like to thank the institutions, law enforcement agencies, sailing clubs, associations, volunteers, Generali and all our partners who helped make this edition possible, together with the people of Trieste and the thousands of visitors who chose to be part of it.”
THE REGATTA – A total of 1,858 boats entered the 58th Autumn Cup, held on Sunday 11 October in the Gulf of Trieste, with 21,000 people at sea during the regatta. The fleet once again demonstrated the international character of the event: 286 registration contacts were from abroad, representing approximately 16% of the total, while 644 were from Trieste, accounting for around 35%. The most represented foreign countries were Slovenia, with 89 entries, Austria with 60, Croatia with 42, Germany with 35 and Switzerland with 17.
The regatta took place in favourable weather conditions, with a particularly technical race that saw some of Trieste's leading sailors battling at the front of the fleet. Victory went to Arca SGR of the Fast and Furio Sailing Team, skippered by Furio Benussi, which crossed the finish line first in 1 hour, 5 minutes and 9 seconds, followed by Prosecco DOC Shockwave3 and Marta07.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS AT SEA – Between 3 and 11 October, 22 events were held on the water, attracting a total of 3,482 participants. The programme spanned different disciplines, generations and locations, from Barcolana Young for Optimist sailors to the Barcolana Grado SUP Experience, from Barcolana Nuota powered by Honda Trofeo Luca Giustolisi to the Meteor, Este 24 and Maxi class regattas, as well as initiatives promoting social inclusion through sailing.
The organisation of these activities involved 235 people from the Italian Sailing Federation, sailing clubs, partners and organisations working alongside Barcolana. Their contribution was essential to delivering a wide-ranging sporting programme that complemented the Autumn Cup with competitive events and initiatives open to people who enjoy the sea through different disciplines.
The three Go to Barcolana feeder regattas from Slovenia, Ravenna and Croatia also played an important role, with the Croatian event introduced for the first time in 2026. A total of 81 boats entered: 41 from Slovenia, 27 from Ravenna and 13 from Croatia, with 51 boats reaching Trieste. The initiative strengthens the connections between Trieste and other sailing communities along the Adriatic.
SHORESIDE EVENTS AND THE CITY – The overall Barcolana58 programme featured more than 500 events across over 100 different locations, on land, at sea, on lakes and in lagoons, involving Trieste and several other locations throughout Friuli Venezia Giulia. Alongside the sporting activities, a programme of exhibitions, performances, talks, music, literature, science outreach and family events brought the city to life in the lead-up to the Autumn Cup.
One of the most significant results was the involvement of the local community. The “Candida il tuo evento” (Submit Your Event) open call received more than 110 applications, of which 91 were accepted, providing a platform for initiatives developed by associations, cultural organisations, artists, businesses and residents.
Through Be Community, Barcolana also consolidated the initiative launched in the Borgo Cavana district in 2025, extending it to Borgo Teresiano this year. A total of 109 local businesses and organisations joined the project across the two districts: 54 in Cavana and 55 in Borgo Teresiano. Both districts became an integral part of the event, hosting music, workshops, performances, tastings and activities throughout their streets and squares.
The programme included more than 40 musical events and the return of Barcolana Un Mare di Racconti, now in its eighth edition, with 18 literary events over six days at Casa della Musica. Barcolana also continued to involve the city's neighbourhoods, bringing cultural and sporting activities beyond the city centre.
BARCOLANA AI SEA SUMMIT – Among the new features of Barcolana58 was the inaugural Barcolana AI Sea Summit, organised with the support of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional Government. Held on Thursday 8 October at MIB Trieste School of Management, the event brought together approximately 200 participants for a day exploring the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence applied to the sea and the blue economy.
The programme featured 16 talks organised around three themes – “Understanding AI”, “How Fast AI Is Advancing” and “AI and the Sea” – bringing together researchers, experts, institutional representatives and business leaders to discuss innovation, maritime safety, the protection of marine ecosystems and the ethical implications of new technologies.
The event also marked the beginning of work on the Trieste Manifesto for Artificial Intelligence and Marine Sustainability, alongside the launch of a hackathon dedicated to developing innovative solutions for the marine environment. Applications remain open until December 2026, with a total prize fund of €9,000. This new initiative has further strengthened Barcolana's role as a meeting point for sport, research, technology and maritime culture.
THE BARCOLANA VILLAGE – The Village also took on a new look, with larger exhibition spaces and multi-level structures. A total of 210 container modules were used, while 100 exhibitors took part across the Village and Fuori Villaggio areas. These were complemented by 62 temporary structures and three large food and catering areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT – An extraordinary effort was made to keep the city clean throughout Barcolana58. AcegasApsAmga, supported by ITS Ecologia, stepped up waste collection and street-cleaning services in the areas involved in the event, deploying 24 vehicles and up to 45 staff members on the busiest days. From Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October, cleaning and waste removal services operated around the clock.
To encourage separate waste collection, more than 200 additional waste containers were installed throughout the Village, alongside almost 300 containers provided to exhibitors. The system was designed to make it easier to dispose of waste correctly, supported by a dedicated packaging waste collection service during the Village's set-up and dismantling phases.
At the Barcolana Village, separate waste collection reached 67%, up from 62% in 2025 and 61% in 2024. This five-percentage-point improvement on the previous edition was achieved against a backdrop of high attendance: according to Just One Earth, approximately 550,000 visits were recorded across the area between 1 and 12 October, with 62% concentrated on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October.
Despite an overall increase in the volume of waste collected, preliminary figures, which are still being consolidated, show a higher proportion of plastic and glass waste and a lower percentage of general waste. This confirms the effectiveness of the waste management arrangements and the additional collection facilities provided throughout the area.
MARITIME LOGISTICS – A complex organisational operation ensured that boats were welcomed and assisted throughout the event. The Follow Me team managed 562 moorings and approximately 1,200 boat movements during Barcolana.
A total of 33 recovery operations were carried out, 32 by the Follow Me team and one jointly with Zulu. The Follow Me and Logistic Support services, together with related activities, involved 116 people: 22 Follow Me operators, 13 Logistic Support personnel, including staff and volunteers, and 81 students from Trieste's Nautical Institute. Their contribution combined professional expertise, volunteering and practical training.
THE ORGANISATIONAL TEAM – A total of 1,387 people were involved in delivering Barcolana58 presented by Generali, including organisers, operational staff, volunteers, collaborators and service personnel. This extensive operation brought together the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, partners, institutions, associations and the many organisations that contribute to making the event possible each year.
TRANSPORT: RECORD FIGURES FOR TRENITALIA – Rail transport recorded particularly significant results. Trenitalia carried 70,000 passengers during Barcolana58, an all-time record and an increase of 6,000 passengers compared with 2025.
On Saturday 10 October alone, passenger numbers rose by 15% compared with the previous year. To meet the exceptionally high demand, an additional late-night train was introduced on Saturday, supplementing the services already scheduled.
TRIESTE TRASPORTI: OVER 400,000 PASSENGERS DURING THE WEEKEND – Between 9 and 11 October, more than 400,000 passengers travelled on Trieste Trasporti's regular services. On Sunday 11 October, passenger numbers were 33.46% higher than the average for Sundays during the winter working timetable.
To accommodate the increased demand, 247 additional services were operated, rising to 291 when the dedicated Barcolana shuttle service is included. Services on routes 4, 42 and 64 were also increased, while route 36 was temporarily reinstated.
The Park&Bus service, available on 9, 10 and 11 October at the Bovedo, Opicina crossroads and Piazzale delle Puglie car parks, also performed well. Visitors could park their cars and travel on the local public transport network throughout the day for €1, with free travel for holders of Trieste urban network season tickets. A total of 1,241 tickets were sold, 62% more than the 765 recorded in 2025: 606 at Opicina, 455 at Bovedo and 180 at Piazzale delle Puglie.
On the evenings of Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October, seven Notturno Express night bus routes were also introduced, accessible using standard tickets and season passes. A total of 74 services operated between 10 pm and 4 am, carrying 4,551 passengers. The Muggia route was the busiest, with 2,690 passengers, followed by Baiamonti–San Vito with 559, San Giovanni with 384, Opicina with 305, Aurisina with 218, Cattinara with 206 and Barcola with 189.
AMERIGO VESPUCCI – One of the highlights of Barcolana58 was the visit of the Amerigo Vespucci, the event's guest of honour, which called at Trieste from 8 to 12 October for the final stop of the Vespucci World Tour – North America Campaign 2026. Thanks to the collaboration with Difesa Servizi, the ship became one of the edition's major attractions. During its stay in the city, the ship and the Villaggio IN Italia welcomed more than 75,000 visitors, helping to strengthen the relationship between Barcolana, the Italian defence sector, the Italian Navy and Italy's maritime heritage.
EDUCATION AND YOUNG PEOPLE – Initiatives dedicated to discovering and protecting the sea also attracted considerable interest. The immersive gallery The Ocean in Me, installed in Piazza Unità d'Italia with the support of Wendy Schmidt, recorded more than 20,000 visits, offering audiences an experience combining images, sound and scientific content dedicated to the oceans.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA COVERAGE – Barcolana58 recorded a significant increase in media visibility. Between 1 and 13 October, 2,923 media reports were recorded, including 2,487 online and 436 in offline media. This represents an increase of approximately 50% compared with the 1,948 reports recorded in 2025.
Social media results were equally positive: between 30 September and 11 October, published content generated more than 12 million views, an increase of 50% compared with the previous edition.
These figures confirm Barcolana's ability to attract attention well beyond the regatta itself, telling the stories of sport, the city, cultural initiatives, sustainability, innovation and the people who make Barcolana what it is.
