Barcolana
The World's most crowded regatta
It was 1969.
Four Liverpool lads were singing "Come Together".
Ten young people from Trieste were keen to organise a regatta.
Four Liverpool lads were singing "Come Together".
Ten young people from Trieste were keen to organise a regatta.
The Barcolana, the largest sailing regatta in the world, is held on the second Sunday of October each year, a date that was chosen originally because other sailing clubs were already organising regattas and competitions earlier in the year.
What was needed to take part in the Coppa d'autunno? A boat. No more, no less. No need for carbon sails, racing hulls or tonnage certificates. Just one requirement: love of the sea and a wish to share this passion.
There was an enthusiastic response: 51 boats lined up at the start of the first event. In 2002 1968 vessels sailed between Barcola marina and Miramare Castle.
Barcolana record!
In 2019 the Barcolana officially became the biggest regatta in the world.
The Guinness World Record has certified it, inserting the 50th edition of the regatta among world records.
"The largest regatta in the world - writes the Guinness World Record - has 2689 participants and is the Barcolana of Trieste."
The record was obtained on October 14, 2018.
But why does this regatta hold such fascination?
Because it epitomises the intimate links, the love affair, between Trieste and the sea. Because it's important to take part and say "I was there". Because the festival involves participants and spectators alike. The excitement begins when the Barcolana Village is erected, grows as the boats arrive, and peaks on the day of the regatta. Everyone lines up to watch the great spectacle in the Gulf of Trieste.
For lovers of the sea and sailing, and those who wouldn't dream of missing such a unique spectacle, the regatta takes place in Trieste every year on the second Sunday of October.
For lovers of the sea and sailing, and those who wouldn't dream of missing such a unique spectacle, the regatta takes place in Trieste every year on the second Sunday of October.
Barcolana: A Journey Beyond Racing
Where are the best places to watch the regatta?
- the Napoleonica, a scenic track between the Opicina Obelisk and the Prosecco rock-climbing area.
- the Vittoria lighthouse, which opens for the occasion in the morning
- the Santa Croce observation post, one of the most scenic points of the outer Karst region
- the Trieste seafront, to applaud as the winner arrives in front of Piazza Unità
- the Muggia Promenade, to see boats arriving at the first buoy
- and obviously, on a boat ;)
- the Vittoria lighthouse, which opens for the occasion in the morning
- the Santa Croce observation post, one of the most scenic points of the outer Karst region
- the Trieste seafront, to applaud as the winner arrives in front of Piazza Unità
- the Muggia Promenade, to see boats arriving at the first buoy
- and obviously, on a boat ;)
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The spirit of the Barcolana
To celebrate 46 years of the regatta, the Barcolana organisation had a new wooden sailing boat constructed in just two weeks, and commissioned an inspiring video recording the particulars, emotions and feelings of people who feel drawn in some w...
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