Barcolana in Trieste: 1,800 Boats, Hybrid Yachts, and a Day at the Castle

A Sea of Sails and the Gentle Hum of Electric Motors

Early in the morning, around 10:30 a.m., I stand on the bastion of Castello San Giusto and squint into the sun. The wind is blowing at about 12 knots, the air smells of saltwater and espresso. In front of me: an incredible jumble of masts, hulls and flags — Barcolana has brought more than 1,800 boats to the Adriatic on this Sunday. If you’ve never seen that, words fail you. For me, a “wow” and a deep breath were enough.

Hybrid on Deck, Models in Hoodies, and a Bit of Trade-Show Spirit

Part of the press trip were also test drives on modern motor and sailing technology. On board an 18-meter hybrid yacht sat Vladimir Zinchenko, head of a Slovenian shipyard, casually switching from electric to diesel mode. The boat moved through the water first more quietly, then noticeably fast — and on the flybridge models stood and presented a small collection as if it were a catwalk over the sea. Yes, it’s quirky. But it shows: boat show meets lifestyle, and sustainability is no longer just a buzzword.

Solar modules on the roof, a 4-kW system for the onboard electrical system and a noticeable reduction in generator noise — that wasn’t just a technical show. Especially for quiet mooring maneuvers and longer stays this makes sense. And who, in Portals Nous, on a rainy August evening, has ever looked at a waiting boat, knows: power on board is worth its weight in gold.

From Small Speedboats to Elegant Sailing Yachts

It wasn’t only about luxury. On the program was also a ride on a lightweight polyethylene boat that rode the waves at nearly 30 knots. Later we visited the hall of a renowned sailboat builder in Aquileia: 6,000 square meters, precise craftsmanship and yachts between 55 and 60 feet rolling off the production line like well-oiled instruments. A craft you can smell — resin, sawdust, a hint of oil.

And in the middle the regatta: families, old sailing clubs, professionals and beginners side by side. The mood was open, almost festival-like. Photographers hunted the best angles, children waved from deck and a dog slept contentedly in a cockpit. I didn’t just see boats, but people who love the sea.

What This Means for Mallorca

In a conversation, no one complained about competition, rather about opportunities. The manufacturers explicitly name Mallorca as a market, with representations in Portals Nous — thus very close for customers who love the Mediterranean. For us here on the island that means: new technology, new ideas for berths, but also discussions about anchoring rules, noise and sustainability.

My conclusion: Barcolana feels like a showcase for boat building, tourism and change. It is loud, it is colorful, and somewhere in between grows the realization: anyone who wants to play a long-term role in boat building and yacht tourism must become cleaner, smarter and more people-friendly. And yes, it’s quite a beautiful spectacle — something you should see at least once in your life.

Tags: Regatta, Sailing Yachts, Boat Building, Sustainability, Trieste