With 1,865 boats and around 15,000 sailors, the 57th edition of the Barcolana recorded the highest number of participants since the pandemic. In summery temperatures and moderate winds, 1,341 boats crossed the finish line - one of the highest finish rates in the history of the event. More than 400,000 spectators watched the spectacle on land and on the water.
Tactical masterstroke decides
The start of the Barcolana57 took place with winds from 80 degrees, which ensured optimal conditions. "Arca Sgr" skippered by Furio Benussi took the lead early on, closely followed by "Marta O7", steered by his 18-year-old daughter Marta with tactical support from her uncle Gabriele. The decisive phase of the regatta developed between the first and second turning marks, when the wind shifted from east to west. With perfect tactics, Furio and Marta Benussi found the right position to stay constantly in the wind, while their competitors were caught in the lull between the two wind systems.
The third leg towards Miramare became a pure family affair between the two Benussi crews. The special wind conditions meant that the two leading boats crossed through the back of the field and were cheered on by the leisure sailors - a moment that epitomised the unique atmosphere of the Barcolana. At the third turning mark, "Arca Sgr" began her winning run in front of Miramare Castle, passed the Victory Lighthouse at twelve knots and reached the finish line in Trieste after 1 hour, 43 minutes and 42 seconds.
For "Arca Sgr" and Furio Benussi, it was the Third victory in a row. The second place of "Marta 07" brought victory in the Women Sailing Trophy, which was awarded to skipper Giulia Ascione. She accepted the prize together with helmswoman Marta Benussi.
On board "Marta 07", alongside students from the Nautical Institute of Trieste, was an exceptional athlete: Luca Da Prato, Italian Paralympic swimming champion, who was travelling on a sailing boat for the first time. Third place went to "Prosecco Doc Shockwave³", the maxi yacht of Claudio Demartis and Pompeo Tria with Mitja Kosmina at the helm.
There were 30 yachts competing under the German flag, the best yacht was Michael Schmidt's Y8 "Kalabash" in 53rd place.
Results:
Top 10 of the Barcolana57:
- 1st place: "Arca Sgr" (Furio Benussi)
- 2nd place: "Marta 07" (Giulia Ascione/Marta Benussi)
- 3rd place: "Prosecco Doc Shockwave³" (Mitja Kosmina)
- 4th place: "Fiamme Gialle Nice" (Paolo Cian)
- 5th place: "Blue" (Federico Bressan)
- 6th place: "Shining Marina Portorož" (Željko Perović Huck)
- 7th place: "Anemos II/Allianz Spa" (Tommaso Chieffi)
- 8th place: "Ancilla Domini" (Andrea Illy)
- 9th place: "TuttaTrieste 2" (Andrea and Michele Nevierov)
- 10th place: "Adriatic Europa" (Dušan Puh)
- all results...
Special prices:
- Generali Women in Sailing Trophy: "Marta 07" (Giulia Ascione/Marta Benussi)
- Melges24 unity class: Wendy Schmidt
