Arca SGR won Barcolana57 in Trieste on Sunday, skippered by Furio Benussi. At the finish, he handed the helm to his wife, Elisa. His daughter, Marta Benussi, took second place aboard Marta 07. Prosecco Doc Shockwave³ finished third.
Organisers estimate that more than 400,000 people watched from the water and ashore. A total of 1,865 boats started the race, with around 15,000 crew taking part. Of these, 1,341 crossed the finish line.
Winds at the start came from 80 degrees, providing a strong opening. Arca SGR led early, followed by Marta 07 with tactical support from Gabriele Benussi.
A shift in wind direction on the leg between the first two marks proved decisive. The breeze moved from east to west, allowing Arca SGR and Marta 07 to accelerate while rivals were caught in light airs. Both boats built a commanding lead.
Arca SGR crossed the line after 1 hour, 43 minutes and 42 seconds. The fleet cheered the leaders as they passed through slower boats near the finish.
This is Arca SGR’s third consecutive win. President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, Mitja Gialuz, called it “one of the most beautiful Barcolanas ever,” citing high attendance on land and sea.
Marta 07’s result secured the Generali Women in Sailing Trophy. The prize went to skipper Giulia Ascione, alongside helmswoman Marta Benussi. Their crew included students from Trieste’s Nautical Institute and Paralympic swimmer Luca Da Prato.
Prosecco Doc Shockwave³, owned by Claudio Demartis and Pompeo Tria and helmed by Mitja Kosmina, placed third. Other boats in the top ten included Fiamme Gialle Nice, Blue, Shining Marina Portorož, Anemos II/Allianz Spa, Ancilla Domini, TuttaTrieste 2 and Adriatic Europa.
Generali President Andrea Sironi said the event showed “how sailing can generate positive and lasting impact.” He praised the role of mixed crews in promoting equity.
America’s Cup winner Dean Barker returned to finish 17th overall aboard Tangaroa. Wendy Schmidt won among the Melges24 fleet in a 24-foot monohull.
A Honda Jazz Elegance Full Hybrid was raffled among entrants. The winner was Giovanni Gabassi of Lucky Jack. He described the result as “extraordinary” and said the regatta was a rare chance for family and friends to reunite.
