A total of 317 young sailors have gathered in Trieste’s Bacino San Giusto for the fourth leg of the Trofeo Kinder Joy of Moving Optimist, launching the opening events of the 58th Barcolana regata week. According to a report by saily.it, the fleet includes 269 Italian competitors alongside 48 sailors traveling from Slovenia, Croatia, and Austria.
Young Sailors Fill Bacino San Giusto for Barcolana Young
The Bacino San Giusto transforms into a vast field of small sails directly in front of Piazza Unità d’Italia. The event marks the fourth stop of the Trofeo Kinder Joy of Moving Optimist circuit. Organized by the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, the gathering gives youth sailors the chance to inaugurate the broader Barcolana sailing week, which culminates in the main regata on Sunday, October 11.
Competitors span two distinct age divisions based on experience and age. The event features 223 athletes in Division A, covering Juniors aged 11 to 15. Meanwhile, 94 younger competitors make up Division B, featuring Cadets aged 9 and 10.
International sailors join domestic youth circuit in Trieste
The entry list highlights a strong international presence alongside a high domestic turnout. National Optimist Technical Coach Marcello Meringolo noted the high participation numbers and the presence of competitive foreign sailors, pointing to the attraction of Trieste’s sailing history and the organizing club, as reported by saily.it.
The Kinder Joy of Moving circuit spans five total stops across Italy, serving as a key proving ground for youth sailing. Prior to the Trieste stop, the 2026 season traveled through major international and domestic fixtures, including the World Championship in Tangier in late June, the European Championship in Gdynia in July, and the Italian Youth Single-Handed Championships in Ravenna.
Racing runs from October 2 to October 4
On-water competition runs from October 2 through October 4. Racing begins on Friday, October 2 at 12:00 PM, with subsequent races scheduled for Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4. Alongside the racing program, organizers have set up the Kinder Joy of Moving Village on land, offering table tennis, table football, and recreational activities designed to promote sports values among participants.
Updates on the regata standings and official rankings are available through the official Optimist class website and the Racing Rules of Sailing platform. The broader Trofeo Optimist Italia Kinder Joy of Moving calendar for the year includes stops in Marsala from April 17 to 19, Cervia from May 31 to June 2, Capodimonte from July 23 to 25, Trieste from October 2 to 4, and Malcesine from October 23 to 25.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barcolana Young
How many competitors are participating in Barcolana Young?
A total of 317 young sailors have registered for the event, consisting of 269 Italian participants and 48 international entries from Austria, Croatia, and Slovenia, according to saily.it.
Who organizes the Trieste leg of the Optimist trophy?
The event is organized by the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano in the Bacino San Giusto in front of Piazza Unità d’Italia.
What dates do the Barcolana Young races take place?
The regatas run from October 2 to October 4, opening the events leading up to the 58th edition of the main Barcolana on Sunday, October 11.
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