Barcolana57 presented by Generali - Day 2
by Barcolana 2 Oct 18:36 UTC
1-12 October 2025
The Para Sailing European Championship officially opened today the 57th edition of the Barcolana Presented by Generali. On the water, 23 crews from four European countries began racing, with three races held during the day.
The Bora wind made the day particularly challenging for the "super sailors", as they were described yesterday during the opening ceremony by Dean Bassi, Vice-President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, which, together with the Società Triestina della Vela, World Sailing, the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV) and the European Federation (EUROSAF), organises the event.
The first race was sailed in medium breeze, which then strengthened for the second. With tight battles across the fleet, the provisional leader is Britain's Rory McKinna, whose 2nd, 3rd and 5th place finishes keep him on top with 10 points. In second place, and first woman, is Olga Gornas Grudzien, who took victory in the third race to balance out a 7th place in the second, consolidating her 3rd place from the opening race and finishing just one point behind the leader. Palermo's Carmelo Forastieri is currently third: despite a 1st and 2nd place, a 9th proved costly, but the Lega Navale Italiana sailor's potential is clear. Tomorrow brings the second day of racing, which has already proven to be fiercely competitive.
Where passion meets the sea: Thr "Pop" Stories of the Regatta - With over 1,200 entries now confirmed, many yachts are sailing not only up the Adriatic but also across the Mediterranean to reach Trieste in time for the regatta. Numerous crews of friends take part, seeing the event as a true celebration of their passion for the sea.
Among the many stories is that of German sailor Christoph Neumann of the Mittelmeer Skipperclub. With his Beneteau Oceanis 323, he is taking part in his eighth Barcolana, again with a mixed crew including his wife: "We've had this boat for eight years - we use it both for holidays and for racing the Barcolana. For us, being alone at sea, yet surrounded by the festival, is a truly wonderful thing."
Another tale comes from Stefano Macor of the Diporto Nautico Sistiana: "I bought Aramis, the Millennium 40 with which I race the Barcolana, just moments before my second daughter was born - I signed the deal with the broker right before entering the delivery room. The hull was abandoned in Porto Cervo, and with a group of friends I sailed her around Italy to bring her to Trieste."
Stefano races with long-time friends: "We've known each other since school. Over time the group has grown, we are all experienced sailors, and the Barcolana gives us the chance to reunite doing what we all love."
Today we also highlight the story of Roger Mossier from Yacht Club Ascona, Switzerland, who will be racing his new Escape, a 27-foot Seascape, towed from the Alps to Trieste, just as around fifty other lake boats do every year: "I've had this boat for two years - I use it for races on Lake Maggiore, and now it's finally time to take part in the legendary Barcolana: it will be my first edition, and I'll experience it with a group of friends."
Roger is an experienced sailor; the challenge closest to his heart is thoroughly British:
"I crossed the English Channel on an IMOCA40 as skipper - that was my epic adventure."
Environment and sustainability - Barcolana today launched its awareness campaign on environmental issues. The first educational kit "A Regatta for the Ocean" was presented to 30 teachers. Developed by WWF staff from the Miramare Marine Protected Area, the kit aims to promote Ocean Literacy in primary schools across the region, with support from 11th Hour Racing, one of Wendy Schmidt's philanthropic organisations, which identified Barcolana as a key platform for outreach and education.
The kit covers topics such as the marine food pyramid, ocean chemistry and physics, currents, and plastic pollution. It includes measurement tools and educational materials allowing students to experiment through games and activities. Following the adventures of a special crew of sailors from around the world participating in the Barcolana, students are guided on a journey of discovery into the crucial role oceans play in our existence and the importance of protecting them. At the end of the presentation, the first 30 kits were distributed to teachers, who will use them independently in their classrooms.
Davide Besana Exhibition - As every year, Barcolana directly produces an exhibition: this edition presents "Sailing in Comic Strips", a major solo show by Davide Besana. The exhibition was inaugurated this afternoon in the Sala Veruda of Trieste City Hall, a few steps from Piazza Unità, and will remain open to the public free of charge until 12 October. It will be enriched by a calendar of events, talks and workshops, starting tomorrow morning with a session led by renowned sailing photographer Martina Orsini, dedicated to high school students.
Barcolana Fun - Meanwhile, the remote challenge of Barcolana FUN continues. With four days left in the contest involving numerous sailing enthusiasts in Italy and Slovenia, the Bora wind has allowed further performance improvements.
Tomorrow's schedule - Friday 3 October:
- Barcolana Fun Focus - 3 days to go
- Flag-raising ceremony - Official inauguration of Barcolana57 presented by Generali - 12:00, Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano
- Barcolana Para Sailing - Eurosaf Inclusivity Event - second day of racing
- Aquileia Gateway to the Mediterranean - 14:00, Ancient River Port (Via Gemina, Aquileia)
- Sailors for Kids - Photographing Sailing - workshop with Martina Orsini - 10:00, Magazzino 26, Sala Sbisà
- Le Vie del Mare - Barcolana Skate Up - 14:00, Altura
Event website: www.barcolana.it