Perfect sailing conditions, thrilling duels and a serial winner: That was the 58th Barcolana

​1,858 boats on the starting line

Sun, strong winds and 1,858 boats on the same starting line: against the impressive backdrop of Trieste, the 58th edition of the Barcolana once again offered that blend of elite and grassroots sport which makes it one of the most extraordinary sailing regattas in the world. In the end, the hot favourite, “Arca SGR”, came out on top. Furio Benussi and his crew celebrated their fourth consecutive victory.

​After several days of unsettled weather, a steady easterly wind welcomed the more than 15,000 sailors. The conditions not only provided spectacular scenes, but also presented the crews with challenging tactical tasks.

​Arca overcomes technical problems

Things certainly didn’t go to plan for the Maxi 100 “Arca SGR” at the start. A technical glitch put the boat out of action for around two minutes. Benussi therefore decided to start in the middle of the line, hoping for a wind shift towards the open sea. Although this did not materialise, the “Arca SGR” quickly got back into the race.

At the front of the field, two storylines initially emerged: Whilst “Arca SGR” capitalised on its speed advantage, “Prosecco DOC Schockwave3” – with helmsman Mitja Kosmina and tactician Lorenzo Bressani – and “Marta 07” – with Marta Benussi – were locked in an intense match race.

Gradually, “Arca SGR” took the lead. Just 18 minutes after the start, the team reached the first buoy. Two minutes later, “Prosecco DOC Schockwave3” followed, edging ahead of “Marta 07” with a precise manoeuvre.

​A commanding fourth victory

At the short track marker, “Arca SGR” was still leading ahead of “Prosecco DOC Schockwave3” and “Marta 07”. From there on, Benussi’s crew steadily extended their lead. Behind the leader, however, the battle for second place remained wide open right until the end.

“Marta 07” was looking for a clear run and a chance to break free from the control of its direct rival on the stretch between Miramare and Barcola. However, “Prosecco DOC Schockwave3” defended its position resolutely.

In the final stretch, “Arca SGR” didn’t put a foot wrong. After one hour, five minutes and nine seconds, the boat crossed the finish line at 11.35.09. It was the fourth consecutive Barcolana victory for Furio Benussi and his team.

“Prosecco DOC Schockwave3” crossed the finish line around three and a half minutes later. Kosmina and Bressani said they had done everything they could to challenge the larger boat for victory. A further one and a half minutes later, “Marta 07” secured third place.

​Marta Benussi named best coxswain once again

Finishing third overall, Marta Benussi won the Generali Women in Sailing Trophy for the second time. The award goes to the highest-placed female helmswoman in the regatta.

Fourth place went to “Big Sky”, followed by “Manticore–Edilimpianti Trieste”. The team competed in its first Barcolana with Gabriele Bruni at the helm. The remaining places were taken by “Fiamme Gialle Nice”, “Woodpecker Cube–Generali”, “Fincantieri Doers on Board”, “Grillo Parlante” and “MEDLOG–MVN Ancilla Domini”.

A change in wind direction helps the large fleet

Whilst the leaders were battling it out for seconds and placings, the sailing festivities typical of the Barcolana were getting into full swing further back in the field. Within less than half an hour, the wind shifted and then died down. Later, a mistral set in, enabling a large part of the fleet to make it to the finish line. It was not until around 4 pm that the wind dropped significantly.

Whilst the first boats were already being celebrated at the finish line, hundreds of crews were still out on the regatta course. For Mitja Gialuz of the organising Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, it is precisely this connection that gives the regatta its special character.

“Above all, the Barcolana is a festival for everyone,” said Gialuz. The event brings together great champions and enthusiastic amateur sailors in a shared competition. At the same time, Trieste is once again confirming its role as the capital of sailing.

A celebration for the whole sailing community

In the afternoon, the programme continued on land. At 5 pm, the owners and their crews gathered in Piazza Unità for the prize-giving ceremony. With the arrival of the last boats, a Barcolana came to an end which, after ten days of events, is likely to be remembered for more than just the sporting aspect. This year’s event was dedicated to the the late sailing photographer Carlo Borlenghi, who was also mentioned at the start of the television broadcast.

Results – Top Ten

1. Arca SGR
2. Prosecco DOC Schockwave3
3. Marta 07
4. Big Sky
5. Manticore–Edilimpianti Trieste
6. Fiamme Gialle, Nice
7. Woodpecker Cube – Generali
8. Fincantieri: Doers on Board
9. The Talking Cricket
10. MEDLOG–MVN Ancilla Domini

Every year, this famous regatta attracts a huge field of participants; this year, 1,858 boats and just under 15,000 sailors took to the waters off Trieste. Is it too big, or is it the sort of event that would appeal to you too? Let us know in the comments.