The world's largest regatta

THe 39th Barcolana will take place mid-October in Trieste

The 39th edition of the Barcolana, the largest regatta in the world with 1800 yachts expected, complete with an enormous single start line, is due to take place this year on 14 October.

Gastone Novelli, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano commented: "we have concentrated all our resources on the race by involving great names from the world of sailing and great yachts. But we must not forget that the Barcolana is not only a sporting event but a wonderful festival of the sea. We need everybody's commitment in order to organise it, so I would like to thank the the sponsors, institutions and volunteers who, every year, help us make this event come true.

"Although from a technical standpoint the regatta will remain the same, there are many new elements for this year's edition. Upon the request of their class, the RC 44s will be in Trieste for the second-last leg of their International Circuit and a new category will be added for them in the Barcolana regatta."

Preceeding the Barcolana is a nine day long sailing festival starting on 6 October. More than 20,000 sailors are expected to take part in the event located along Trieste's waterfront and the new Pier 7 in the Old Port, restored by the Port Authority, a new space which will play host to the Barcolina event.

As part of the festival is the Barcolina, dedicated to young sailing classes - Optimist, Tyka and windsurf - plus the RC44 circuit race with Russell Coutts. There will be three evenings with free concerts in Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia. Plus there is the Barcolana Classic,the historic vessels meeting (classic and Spirit of Tradition) and a series of exhibitions and cultural events organized by the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano in conjunction with local yachting clubs and institutions.

Race course confirmed: the 16 miles quadrilateral course with a mark in Slovenian waters. This year's novelty is the new layout of the Barcolana Village along the waterfront, and the participation of the one-design yachts built by Russell Coutts in the Barcolana race. Russell Coutts himself asked the organization to let RC44 boats take part in the Barcolana, because after last year's experience, he wants to involve the other skippers following him in the international circuit in such a unique experience.