Barcolana 2020

Adverse weather conditions have led to the cancellation of Barcolana. It is a first in the over fifty years of history of the sailing regatta “Autumn Cup - Barcolana 52 presented by Generali” that was supposed to take place on Sunday 11 October in the Gulf of Trieste. Over 1,400 people had registered to join this special edition of the world’s most attended regatta, which was strongly supported in such a delicate and complex year, and organised in full compliance with COVID-19 measures.

Rain and Bora, the most intense wind in Italy and in the Mediteranean basin that often reaches speeds of over 100 kilometres per hour, have led the Race Committee to cancel the event to ensure the safety of all participants.

Gabriele Galateri di Genola, Chairman of Assicurazioni Generali, who was in Trieste for the race, commented: "Respecting safety at sea is the first condition for a successful regatta. The message is that it has still been possible to organise and share an event of sport and fun, despite the difficult year. During the past days, Barcolana successfully managed many events that spoke about the territory, environment and culture. This is important. I congratulate the organisation, the law enforcement and public and private institutions, which worked together to make this wonderful event possible. Goodbye then!".

In addition to sport, health, sustainability and inclusion were central themes for Generali, presenting partner of Barcolana, which it has been supporting for more than forty years. In the days before the regatta, various initiatives have been proposed to raise awareness of the ecosystem and sustainable practices through sailing, in order to enjoy the sport responsibly and benefit in terms of well-being and health from a fair and healthy shared activity. For this reason, Generali had set up a weather video point with real-time updates on wind, tides and general conditions for both sailors and the general public.

This objective was also pursued through the Trofeo Generali, which this year would have rewarded the first-placed mixed team led by a female skipper. A commitment that fosters Diversity & Inclusion, a theme renewed by Generali following the previous editions involving the testimony of international female sailors. This year’s female winner would have been rewarded with a customised Generali Academy coaching and leadership course.