Experience the Barcolana in Trieste with children: all the extraordinary experiences
3 minutes
The historic international regatta, the Barcolana in Trieste, is back for its 54th edition. As tradition dictates, it is held on the second Sunday in October, but spans an entire week with a rich calendar of events, including those specially tailored for children.
Here is what to do in Trieste with children from 29th September to 8th October 2023, to enjoy the beauty of the Gulf of Trieste and feel like the real stars of the Barcolana.
The Barcolana, a truly unique race
Since 1969, the historic regatta in Trieste has brought great excitement, both to those who experience it as competitors and to spectators, including children and young people; in fact, professional sailors and ordinary enthusiasts who want to put themselves to the test can race together for a truly breathtaking experience.
It starts from the Miramare Castle area and finishes in front of the splendid Piazza Unità d'Italia in Trieste. Those watching from the shore can enjoy a spectacular finish both from the square itself and from the heights of the Karst all around the city. In practice, an event to really get involved in.
Barcolana Young, FUN and Classic: for youngsters of all tastes
In addition to the traditional regatta held on Sunday, a series of fringe events enrich the calendar and enliven the Barcolana village. One example is the Barcolana Young, a race for sailors aged between 8 and 15 years old who compete on board Optimist boats. The race for budding sailors opens the week of events with six races in two days dedicated to athletes born between 2007 and 2013.
To involve the younger ones, there is Barcolana FUN, an event created for high-adrenaline aquatic events and watercraft, from windsurfing to kitesurfing and foil surfing: spectacular to watch sitting on the shores of Trieste and truly ensuring an all-out adrenaline rush.
Also not to be missed is the regatta featuring vintage boats and the 'spirit of tradition' boats, which reproduce characteristics of boats from days gone by. With their vintage soul and their sails unfurled in the wind, they will captivate adults and children alike.
How to make the dream of learning to sail come true
Those who want to learn how to sail can take part in one of the courses at One Off Academy, a sailing school that from Monday to Friday organises courses for children between 6 and 12 years old on Optimist, Laser and Vaurien boats. It also offers family sailing trips, and is just one of the many activities offered by the city's sailing clubs.
Not only Barcolana: more things to do in the city
Sailing and the city of Trieste are closely linked, so there is no shortage of nautical-themed activities for those visiting the city and keen to experience this to the full.
At the top of the list is a visit to the Amerigo Vespucci. The famous Italian Navy Training Ship will arrive in Trieste on 8 October 2022 and will be open to the public for visits, with a special schedule of events on board for those wishing to discover the secrets of one of the most beautiful ships in the world. Children will love the experience.
Un Mare di Racconti (A Sea of Tales), on the other hand, is a literary festival with a maritime theme, inaugurated in 2019. It also includes a number of sessions dedicated to children. This year they will be able to discover the magic of whales and learn why a penguin called Marco has become Trieste's mascot.
Finally, without even getting wet, you can take a stroll through the entire story of Trieste's maritime history in the halls of the Museo del Mare (Maritime Museum), which offers an exciting experience for the little ones, who will be able to discover a large collection of model ships.
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