Each October, Barcolana turns northern Italy into a sea of sails across the Gulf of Trieste. It’s officially the world’s largest sailing race by fleet size, a Guinness‑recognised mass start that has drawn 2,689 boats. Tens of thousands gather on the water and crowds line the Rive and the slopes to watch it unfold.
Barcolana 2025 dates, start time and key schedule
The 57th edition of Barcolana runs from 1st to 12th October 2025 in Trieste, with the main regatta set for Sunday 12th October. The big race will kick off at 10:30 am between Barcola and Miramare, and the finish line will be in front of Piazza Unità. This year's theme, “where passion meets the sea”, will carry the festival along.
Trophies to be awarded include the Barcolana Trophy (overall winner), Generali Trophy – Women in Sailing, IYFR Trophy (crew including one or more sailors with disabilities), and Rosa nei Venti Trophy (first helmswoman of a female crew).
Barcolana 2025 programme and events: at sea and on land
The Gulf gets busy and the Rive comes alive with tight racing by day, dockside chats and pop‑up stands, then writers, bands and conversations after dark. Sunday’s mass start is the focal point offshore, while the city’s squares carry the momentum into the evening with talks, live music and easy meet‑ups.
- Barcolana Trieste24 – European Championship runs Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th October 2025, serving up short, tactical inshore races that you can follow from the shore.
- Barcolana Village along the Rive: expect hundreds of temporary stores, demos, installations, and sponsor stands with crews and fans.
- The “Barcolana – A Sea of Stories” festival returns to Magazzino delle Idee with a preview on Monday, 6th October. The festival takes place from Tuesday 7th to Saturday 11th and features four back‑to‑back talks with leading writers.
- Live music concerts during the festival in various locations, including Piazza tra i Rivi, Piazza Ponterosso, and Piazza del Barbacan. Free opening concert by Diodato on Saturday, 4th at Piazza Ponterosso.
How to watch Barcolana 2025
Choose to be close to the water for the roar of the start and the finish atmosphere, or up in the karst for a widescreen view of sails flooding the Gulf of Trieste.
Best viewpoints on land
- Along the Rive and finish zone: the stretch by Piazza Unità d’Italia and Molo Audace is brilliant for the run-in and finish, with big-race buzz and easy access to cafés.
- Start-side shoreline: the Barcola promenade and the park around Miramare Castle let you see the fleet fan out off the starting line.
- High panoramas: the Strada Napoleonica (Sentiero Vicentina) is the locals’ favourite balcony over the gulf. Follow path no. 12 to the Sanctuary of Monte Grisa at roughly 300 metres above sea level for a sweeping view and calmer crowds.
- Classic lookout: the terrace near Faro della Vittoria (Victory Lighthouse) gives a fine mid-height vantage over the course.
Live coverage and updates
- If you’d rather stay warm and follow the tactics, the organisers stream coverage on BarcolanaTV, with Italian TV (RAI) typically airing live segments and highlights.
- Check out the official Barcolana website for the latest updates on events and timetables.
Trieste, beyond the regatta
Trieste is a border city with Habsburg elegance, sea‑swimming on the Barcola promenade, and karst hills peppered with family‑run farms serving local wine and cured meats. There are plenty of things to do in Trieste, including exploring the waterfront, Miramare, historic cafés and the many viewpoints. If you’re weighing up a move, living in Trieste could be for you if you like hearty food, a cooler climate and central European culture.
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