THE LARGEST SAILING RACE IN THE WORLD
Trieste, 2 - 11 October 2026
Trieste, 2 - 11 October 2026
Barcolana - News10.10.26
Light winds prevent the Este24 European Championship and Barcolana Classic SIAD Trophy
BARCOLANA TRIESTE24 GHC SANATORIO TRIESTINO – ESTE24 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP CONCLUDES WITHOUT A TITLE BEING AWARDED – The Este24 European Championship, held as part of Barcolana58 presented by Generali, concluded today without a European title being awarded. Following three races on Thursday and a second day affected by adverse weather, today’s conditions once again prevented the fleet from completing the minimum number of races required for the championship to be valid.
The Race Committee attempted to start a fourth race in very light winds, setting the course in the hope of making the most of the remaining opportunities. However, the race was abandoned when the fleet had completed approximately three-quarters of the first windward leg because of insufficient wind. With the time limit set at 14:30, no further attempts were possible.
The championship therefore concluded with the three valid races completed on the opening day, falling short of the five races required to award the European title. The standings from those races remain on record, with Kaster 24, skippered by Antonio Sodo Migliori (Yacht Club Costa Smeralda), in first place following three consecutive victories and a total of 3 points. Estrella C.C.A., skippered by Paolo Brinati (Circolo Canottieri Aniene/C.N.G.M.), and La Poderosa 2.0, skippered by Roberto Ugolini (Circolo Nautico Guglielmo Marconi), followed on 10 points each.
“We have experienced three extraordinarily intense days, both on and off the water,” commented Alessandro Maria Rinaldi, President of the Este24 Class. “Unfortunately, the weather was not on our side, and the wind conditions prevented us from completing the minimum five races required to award the European title. This does nothing, however, to diminish the sporting, organisational and human value of the event. We have enjoyed unforgettable moments, such as the spectacular night-time Stadium Race for the GHC – Garofalo Health Care Trophy, which has become one of the symbols of the Trieste24 Trophy, and the moving parade past the Amerigo Vespucci, paying tribute to a symbol of our Italian Navy. These moments reflected the passion of our class, our owners and our crews, who put on a wonderful spectacle in Trieste. Special thanks go to Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano and the Race Committee for all their hard work. Tomorrow, we will all be on the starting line for Barcolana58!”
This evening, the concluding reception will include the prize-giving ceremony for the Stadium Race – Trofeo GHC Sanatorio Triestino, bringing to a close three days which, despite the European title not being awarded, have reaffirmed the strong bond between the Este24 class and Barcolana.
BARCOLANA CLASSIC – TROFEO SIAD: PARADE DELIGHTS SPECTATORS BUT LACK OF WIND PREVENTS RACING – Vintage, classic and Spirit of Tradition yachts took centre stage this morning in the traditional Barcolana Classic – Trofeo SIAD parade in the San Giusto Basin. The event gave spectators along the waterfront an opportunity to admire some of the most representative yachts in sailing history, from historic vessels and boats designed by Carlo Sciarrelli to examples of the Adriatic’s maritime heritage. However, the lack of wind prevented the race from taking place, and it was cancelled.
The 2026 edition marks the tenth anniversary of the partnership between the SIAD Group and Barcolana, a collaboration which has helped promote maritime culture and traditions over the years. In 2018, to mark the event’s 50th anniversary, SIAD and Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano designed and built Barcolana50, a modern passera sailing boat constructed according to Adriatic tradition, with the aim of preserving and celebrating the region’s boatbuilding heritage.
The Race Committee attempted to start a fourth race in very light winds, setting the course in the hope of making the most of the remaining opportunities. However, the race was abandoned when the fleet had completed approximately three-quarters of the first windward leg because of insufficient wind. With the time limit set at 14:30, no further attempts were possible.
The championship therefore concluded with the three valid races completed on the opening day, falling short of the five races required to award the European title. The standings from those races remain on record, with Kaster 24, skippered by Antonio Sodo Migliori (Yacht Club Costa Smeralda), in first place following three consecutive victories and a total of 3 points. Estrella C.C.A., skippered by Paolo Brinati (Circolo Canottieri Aniene/C.N.G.M.), and La Poderosa 2.0, skippered by Roberto Ugolini (Circolo Nautico Guglielmo Marconi), followed on 10 points each.
“We have experienced three extraordinarily intense days, both on and off the water,” commented Alessandro Maria Rinaldi, President of the Este24 Class. “Unfortunately, the weather was not on our side, and the wind conditions prevented us from completing the minimum five races required to award the European title. This does nothing, however, to diminish the sporting, organisational and human value of the event. We have enjoyed unforgettable moments, such as the spectacular night-time Stadium Race for the GHC – Garofalo Health Care Trophy, which has become one of the symbols of the Trieste24 Trophy, and the moving parade past the Amerigo Vespucci, paying tribute to a symbol of our Italian Navy. These moments reflected the passion of our class, our owners and our crews, who put on a wonderful spectacle in Trieste. Special thanks go to Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano and the Race Committee for all their hard work. Tomorrow, we will all be on the starting line for Barcolana58!”
This evening, the concluding reception will include the prize-giving ceremony for the Stadium Race – Trofeo GHC Sanatorio Triestino, bringing to a close three days which, despite the European title not being awarded, have reaffirmed the strong bond between the Este24 class and Barcolana.
BARCOLANA CLASSIC – TROFEO SIAD: PARADE DELIGHTS SPECTATORS BUT LACK OF WIND PREVENTS RACING – Vintage, classic and Spirit of Tradition yachts took centre stage this morning in the traditional Barcolana Classic – Trofeo SIAD parade in the San Giusto Basin. The event gave spectators along the waterfront an opportunity to admire some of the most representative yachts in sailing history, from historic vessels and boats designed by Carlo Sciarrelli to examples of the Adriatic’s maritime heritage. However, the lack of wind prevented the race from taking place, and it was cancelled.
The 2026 edition marks the tenth anniversary of the partnership between the SIAD Group and Barcolana, a collaboration which has helped promote maritime culture and traditions over the years. In 2018, to mark the event’s 50th anniversary, SIAD and Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano designed and built Barcolana50, a modern passera sailing boat constructed according to Adriatic tradition, with the aim of preserving and celebrating the region’s boatbuilding heritage.
