With 1,858 sailing boats gathered on a single starting line, Barcolana 58 once again transformed the Gulf of Trieste into a spectacular sailing arena. While Italy’s Furio Benussi claimed his fourth consecutive overall victory, MSC’s Psaros 33, skippered by Geneva sailor Nicolas Groux, secured its fourth consecutive category win. A look back at an edition that reaffirmed the unique appeal of this major event on the world sailing calendar.
From 2 to 11 October 2026, the 58th edition of the Barcolana turned the Italian city of Trieste into the world capital of regatta sailing. The highlight of ten days of festivities was the Coppa d’Autunno, which brought 1,858 sailing boats together on the same starting line on Sunday, 11 October … A unique spectacle in which some of the most sophisticated maxi yachts competed alongside cruising boats and amateur crews. Among this exceptional fleet, one Swiss boat stood out in particular: MSC’s Psaros 33, which won its category for the fourth consecutive year.
MSC’s Psaros 33: a Geneva success story
Taking part in the Barcolana for the sixth time, the MSC Sailing Team once again demonstrated its expertise. Aboard its yellow-and-black Psaros 33, the crew led by skipper Nicolas Groux secured first place in Category 4 and an impressive 37th place overall. The achievement is all the more significant as it extends a winning streak that began in 2023.
One distinctive feature of this campaign is that Nicolas Groux sails with a crew made up of MSC employees. Initially conceived as a corporate sailing project, the programme has gradually established itself on the international racing circuit while retaining its roots on Lake Geneva.
Furio Benussi: the undisputed master of Trieste
At the head of the fleet, victory went to Arca SGR, the 100-foot maxi yacht helmed by Furio Benussi. The Italian sailor completed the 13-nautical-mile course in just 1 hour, 5 minutes and 9 seconds, securing his fourth consecutive Barcolana victory and his ninth personal win on his 50th appearance!
Behind him, Prosecco DOC Shockwave3, helmed by Mitja Kosmina, took second place, ahead of Marta 07, skippered by 19-year-old Marta Benussi, the winner’s daughter. She also claimed the Generali Women in Sailing Trophy, awarded to the first mixed crew led by a woman to cross the finish line. A wonderful family story in a race where several generations come together on the water …
A spectacular edition combining tactical racing with ideal conditions
After several days of uncertain weather forecasts, an easterly breeze provided outstanding conditions for the competitors. Along a starting line stretching nearly 3.5 kilometres, positioning proved decisive. Arca SGR, however, had a moment of concern: an electronic system failure left the yacht stranded for almost two minutes at the start, before Furio Benussi regained control of the race.
The wind gradually eased afterwards, but this did not prevent a large part of the fleet from reaching the finish in front of Piazza Unità d’Italia. The race offered a striking demonstration of the extraordinary sporting diversity of the event, where professionals and amateurs share the same course. This diversity is a major part of what makes the Barcolana so successful and appealing.
Far more than a regatta: a global phenomenon
Organised by the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, the Barcolana remains a world benchmark for the sheer number of sailing boats competing in a single race. But the figures from this 58th edition are equally impressive: 550,000 visits to the area, 21,000 people out on the water and more than 500 events spread across around a hundred venues in the Gulf of Trieste.
From maxi-yacht races and youth competitions to cultural events, the Italian city spent ten days immersed in the world of sailing – and sailors enjoyed ten days of unforgettable experiences on the water!
